[SustainableTompkins] more on backyard fruit growing

[Joel and Sarah Gagnon]

Here is more of what I've learned in 30 years of trying to grow fruit under 
suboptimal conditions in Tompkins County:

Blackberries

I have not done well with these, despite having no trouble growing them in 
southern Maine earlier in my life. The problem here has been cane 
hardiness. Blackberries fruit on the previous year's canes (although there 
are a couple of new primocane-fruiting varieties that I am trying out). 
Unless these survive the winter, no fruit. This is especially a problem 
with the thornless varieties, which are marginally hardy in this area. You 
should have no problem growing them in Ithaca and in protected locations 
elsewhere. Otherwise easy to grow, the only problem I have had is 
inadequate rainfall during fruiting.

Black Raspberries

These are dependably hardy and the cultivated varieties are as good or 
better than most wild ones, while being considerably larger. Black 
raspberries are susceptible to wilt and a number of virus diseases. If you 
get wilt, you generally lose the plant, but not the planting. Plant in 
well-drained soil. Avoid mulching right up against the base of the plant, 
and plan on replacing the planting with a new one every few years (10 years 
seems to be about the max). The virus is apparent in the foliage, which 
looks mottled. Rogue plants showing signs of virus infection. Infected 
plants go into a decline that limits their productivity. I compensate for 
wilt and virus by overplanting. I plant in a staggered row with plants 
about 2 feet apart. Blacks should be tipped (have the ends of the canes cut 
off) when they are 2-3 feet tall to make them branch. Prune the branches 
back in the spring to a foot or so in length and thin to the strongest 
canes. Mold is a problem for us in a wet year. Not much we can do about that.

Wineberries

Non-native, these easy-to-grow fruits sport vicious thorns on attractive 
red canes. Similar in culture to black raspberries, they also resemble them 
in fruit shape, being a cap berry. The berries are hidden in a protective 
cover until nearly ripe. Best eaten fresh, the jewel-like red fruits are a 
bit tart but delicious. Only problem with these is that they are marginally 
hardy here. No problem in the city, but in other areas they need a 
protected spot. Will tolerate shade, unlike most fruit, so I grow them on 
the north side of my garage (in a protected inside corner).


Grapes

I only grow table grapes, since neither of us drinks wine. I don't spray my 
grape vines at all, so only the most disease-resistant varieties will do -- 
especially since, with a valley location, air drainage is suboptimal. If 
you have a better site (on a side hill, preferably above the lake), you 
will be able to grow many more varieties with little or no spraying.
The easiest white is Ontario. Seeded, but very pleasant. Only good as a 
fresh-eating grape. Mildew is the only problem, and it is not bad most years.
The easiest red is Canadice. Seedless too. Freezes well. Swensen is a 
seeded red with non slipskin. Complex flavor hints of cherry. My favorite 
variety. Freezes well also. Reliance is also good, but not quite as 
dependable as Canadice. Seedless; freezes well.
Among the blues, Concord is easiest in my planting. Steuben is also pretty 
easy, but there will be some rot in a bad year. Same for Concord. We got 
some rot in the Concords last year, but this is relatively rare. Both these 
varieties are best for jam and juice, although ok as eating grapes. Concord 
is unsurpassed for jam and other cooked uses. Not much good frozen.
Any grape will stand on the vines after ripening for some considerable time 
-- many days. Once picked, they will also store in the fridge in open 
containers for weeks, enabling leisurely consumption or processing.

Kiwis

There are 2 types of kiwis that grow here -- Actinidia arguta and Actinidia 
kolomikta. The argutas are very vigorous vines that need sturdy supports 
and considerable pruning to restrain them. The kolomiktas are much less 
vigorous and easily managed, with the males sporting attractive variegated 
foliage.  Both kinds have delicious fruits, which look just like the 
tropical kiwi on the inside, but in miniature. Fruits are a couple of cm 
long, smooth skinned. The skins are edible, so the fruit is eaten just like 
a grape. Not much bothers these vines, so they can be grown with no 
spraying whatsoever.
So, what problems are there? They leaf out way too early and have no frost 
resistance. They often get zapped by frost here in the valley. They 
revegetate, but the fruit is lost for the year. I got a nice crop of 
kolomiktas last year only because I covered them (3 times!) to protect them 
from frost. These would be easy in the city or on a side slope where frost 
would not be a problem. I highly recommend the kolomiktas to city dwellers 
with a little room for a trellis or even a little wall space.
Much easier than grapes to grow -- but you do need to make space for at 
least 2 vines since male and female are on separate vines (i.e., they are 
dioecious).

More on bigger trees next time.

Joel