How To Grow Strawberries in the Pacific Northwest

How To Grow Strawberries in the Pacific Northwest

Types of Strawberries

 

June-bearing – Produces one heavy crop of large fruit around md-June. These are preferred varieties for making jams and preserves for freezing. Hood being the most iconic as it was created in Oregon specific for our climate.

Everbearing – Produces two crops, one in early summer and another in late summer. The berries are a bit smaller in size, are very tasty and preserve well. These strawberry varieties are known to do well in containers.

Day-neutral – Produces consistently throughout summer until first frost, often presented in the same category as Everbearing. Day-neutral will set fruit regardless of how long the day is. Also does well in containers, tastes sweet, and is an excellent choice for a steady supply of fruit.

Alpine – Also known as the “Wild Strawberry”. These hardy evergreen perennials are very well behaved as they do not produce runners. The fruit is small but pack intense flavor and fragrance. They are great in window boxes, containers, as a nice groundcover. Producing sweet little fruit all summer.

 

Choosing a Site

 

Strawberries will need at least 8 hours of sun each day. Soil should be rich, well drained, sandy loam. A slight to medium acid soil is best. Due to strawberries’ high-water requirements, the soil needs to have plenty of organic matter to help hold moisture for growing plants. It is wise to amend the soil with compost prior to planting.

 

Planting Strawberries

 

It is important to plant as early as possible in the spring. Snow or light frosts will not hurt the plants. Plants should be planted in rows 12-18 inches wide. Plants should be planted 12-18 inches apart. Set plants with roots straight down. Care should be taken so that the plants are set with the crowns level with the top of the ground. This is especially important to the strawberry’s survival and overall health. Be sure to water the plants well after planting.

Strawberries can also be grown as edible edgings, in hanging baskets and in strawberry jars.

 

Harvesting

 

Berries will be bright red, slightly firm, and juicy when ripe. The berries will also have a natural shine. Strawberries should be picked at their prime – they do not ripen after picking.

Best harvesting is in the early morning hours and refrigerated at once.

 

Maintaining Strawberry Plant Health

 

To keep your plants healthy and productive over the years, follow these few steps:

  1. Runners should be removed for the first two years so the plant can put its energy into growing healthy roots and production. After that, let those runners propagate future plants. Be aware of over-crowding.
  2. Be very diligent about weeding, especially while plants are young and trying to get established.
  3. Fertilize with all-purpose fertilizer in early Spring and again when flowers appear with a high potassium tomato fertilizer.
  4. As soon as harvest is complete, mow off the leaves using your lawn mower set at the highest setting or cut down to 1 inch.
  5. Rototill to narrow row width to 12-18 inches. Remove excess plants to leave 3-5 inches around each plant.
  6. Maintain adequate moisture throughout the growing season.
  7. Mulch in November when plants start to go dormant. This will help with fluctuating temperatures.

 

Asparagus – What You Need to Know

Asparagus – What You Need to Know

Asparagus is one of the first plants to let us know Spring has arrived.

The most edible part of asparagus emerges as soil temperatures reach 50º. And with it the anticipation of fresh veggies straight from the garden to our tables.

About Asparagus

Asparagus is a perennial vegetable that is known to be productive for 15 – 20 years with very little maintenance. It takes 2-3 years to be fully productive. But worth the wait.

Asparagus plants are either male or female. Female asparagus produces seeds. Male asparagus does not spend energy producing seeds, so they are three times more productive. For this reason, male plants are often preferred.

Planting Asparagus

Choose a place that gets full sun (at least 6 – 8 hours of sun per day) with good drainage. Asparagus roots will rot if kept too wet. Raised beds with plenty of organic matter are a great option.

Plant one year old crowns in early Spring as soon as the ground can be worked.

Soak crowns briefly in lukewarm water before planting.

Dig a trench 12 – 18 inches wide and 6 – 8 inches deep. If digging more than one trench space them 3 feet apart.

Create a 2″ mound in the middle of the trench using soil mixed with organic matter and a starting fertilizer.

Place crowns on the mound with the eye facing up and the roots spread over the mound about 12 – 18 inches apart. Be sure to avoid allowing their roots to touch, as this can cause them to mold.

You can cover the crowns with soil and organic matter a little at a time over the course of the season or you can cover them all at once. Either way works, as long as the soil is fairly loose so the spears can come through easily.

Be sure to water the crowns in thoroughly after planting. For the first two years after planting, water deeply about once per week allowing them to dry out in between. Once established, asparagus is fairly drought tolerant.

It is very important to keep weeds well managed. Asparagus does not like their roots disturbed so hand weeding is best.

 

Harvesting Asparagus

Year One – DO NOT harvest at all, allow the ferns to grow and mature. This replenishes the nutrients for next years’ crop.

Year Two – Harvest lightly and only the spears that are larger than a pencil.

Year Three – You may harvest as much as you like. Asparagus can keep producing for up to 8 weeks. Once spears decrease in size to smaller than a pencil it is time to stop harvesting.

Be sure to allow the ferns to grow an mature to nourish the next years’ crops. Do not cut them down until after the first frost. Fertilize in Summer after harvesting is complete and add a layer of mulch to keep weeds at bay in the Fall.

Some Great Ways to Enjoy Asparagus

Have you tried it grilled on the barbecue? One of the easiest and most delicious ways to enjoy asparagus takes just a couple of minutes and a few ingredients.

Grilled Asparagus

Simply wash and pat your spears dry. Coat with a bit of olive oil, salt, and pepper. Grill on the barbecue for 5-7 minutes until they reach desired tenderness. Pair with a nice grilled steak or salmon and you have a fantastic fancy home cooked meal!

How about an awesome appetizer? Like peanut butter and jelly, bacon and asparagus are a perfect pair!

Bacon Wrapped Asparagus

  • 1 pkg bacon (unprocessed, nitrate free)
  • Asparagus
  • Olive oil
  • Salt
  • Pepper

Bake bacon on a cookie sheet in the oven at 350 for 5 minutes. Take it out and wrap each piece of asparagus (or a small bunch of 3-5) with strips of bacon as desired (careful, it’s warm).

Drizzle a little olive oil over the top and sprinkle with salt and pepper.

Return to oven for 10 more minutes, turning once or twice until bacon is crispy. Serve immediately.

How to Plant and Care For a Blueberry Bush

How to Plant and Care For a Blueberry Bush

Blueberries are one of the easiest fruits to add to your home landscape and are so worthwhile to grow.

When planted in full sun, they provide year-round interest with their pendulous flowers in Spring, the most rewarding fruit in Summer and stunning shades of orange and red in Fall. They are one of the few blue edible fruits and are full of antioxidants.

 

Growing Blueberries

When you decide to grow blueberries, there are a few things to consider.

While most blueberries are self-fertile, they are more productive when at least two varieties are grown near each other.

They will flower at the same time; however, they ripen at different intervals from summer to fall, extending your blueberry season. Be sure to check the tag for harvest times or view our chart below.

This will also help our bees. Bees have a smart way of gathering food called “Flower Constancy.” Basically, they like sticking to one type of flower arranged in groups, so they don’t waste energy flying around to find different flowers to pollinate.

 

Planting Blueberries

Select a sunny location, for best results avoid planting around trees. Trees will provide too much shade as well as take away the water and nutrients needed for blueberry success. Blueberries prefer their soil on the acidic side, which is what we have here in the Pacific Northwest.

They need soil that drains well but keeps their roots moist. When planting, mix planting compost with the existing soil, about 50/50 is perfect, and press it firmly around the roots. This helps break down any hard clay soil and release the acidic nutrients they love

 

Pruning & Fertilizing Blueberries

When first planting your blueberries, no pruning is needed until they become established. This can take 2 to 3 years. However, removing all the blossoms the first year after planting will allow your plant’s roots to become more established.

  • By the third year, remove any weak, spindly growth that is unproductive.
  • Remove any branches that may have been damaged or dead from the earlier winter weather.
  • Prune a few older, more mature canes. These can be distinguished by their woody texture as opposed to the smoother, brighter color of newer growth. By removing older growth, you will not only improve your production but the quality and size of the blueberry
  • Keep in mind that blueberries fruit on the previous year’s growth and put on flower buds in the fall. Heavy pruning will result in less berries.
  • The best time to prune blueberries is in the late Winter or early Spring while they are dormant.
  • Fertilize blueberries twice a year: in early Spring, from mid-March to mid-April, and again in June using an organic fertilizer for acid loving plants.
  • Be careful not to over fertilize, as you will get nice green growth with no flowers..

Harvesting Blueberries

Since different varieties set berries at various times, you can plan it so that you can have berries from late June through late August. Berries will ripen over a 2–5-week period depending on weather and variety.

Don’t be too excited to pick the berries when they first turn blue. They will develop a better flavor if you leave them for a few days.

You can enjoy blueberries by eating them fresh from the bush, in scrumptious baked goods, in smoothies or simply freezing them to enjoy later.

Not all blueberry bushes are created equal. Because there are so many different varieties, there are certainly options that would be aesthetically pleasing for your landscape project in addition to producing delicious berries the whole family will be sure to love.

However you choose to indulge, they are a must in the home garden. Below are a few of our favorites we carry.

 

 

Rhubarb Plant Guide

Rhubarb Plant Guide

Rhubarb

Rhubarb looks like a beautiful cross between kale and celery. With its deep red stalks and green foliage, it is very pleasing to look at in the garden. It is a cold season perennial vegetable, extremely hardy and drought resistant. The red stalks are tart in flavor and used for baking and preserves. The leaves are toxic and should NOT be eaten.

Where to Plant

Rhubarb grows best in full sun but will tolerate partial shade.

Choose a site with well-draining soil. Good drainage is essential, rhubarb will rot if kept too wept. Rhubarb plants are heavy feeders and love organic matter. Many people plant their rhubarb next to their compost piles.

Rhubarb gets big! It can grow up to 2 to 3 feet tall and wide. Make sure you choose a location where it won’t be too crowded.

Planting and Growing Rhubarb

In early Spring, plant crowns when the soil is able to be worked, when the roots are still dormant, and before growth begins (or as plants are just beginning to leaf out. Young plants already growing in pots may also be

found at our garden center in mid to late Spring).

Dig holes 1-2″ in diameter, mix compost, manure, or anything high in organic matter into the soil.

Rhubarb crowns need to be planted very shallow with the eyes facing up. At least 1/4 to 1/3 of the crown surface should be above ground level. If the bud itself is below ground, it may rot.

Water well at the time of planting and consistently throughout. Especially during the dry days of Summer.

Fertilize in mid to late Spring with an organic balanced fertilizer, compost, or manure.

Remove seed stalks as they appear, they will drain energy from the plant that could be used to produce stalks or roots.

To prevent overcrowding, divide rhubarb every 3-4 years while dormant in early Spring or late Fall. Each division should have a least one large bud on them.

In the Fall, remove all plant debris. Mulch with compost or a layer of straw to retain moisture and discourage weeds.

Harvesting Rhubarb

DO NOT harvest any stalks during the first growing season. Harvest sparingly in the second year. This allows your plants to become properly established. 

Stalks are ready to harvest when they are 7 to 18 inches long and at least 3/4-inch in diameter. If the stalks become too thin, stop harvesting; the plant’s food reserves are low.

Best times to harvest are May, June, and July. After July it is best to leave the stalks on the plant to gather energy for the next year’s growth.

At the base of the stalk, with a gentle twist pull it away from the plant.

Always leave at least two stalks per plant to ensure continued production.

Give us a call or drop our Scholls Ferry location to learn more.

 

Growing Artichokes

Growing Artichokes

If you’re looking for information on growing artichokes at home, this is the place for you. We aim to cover all of the necessary information one needs to grow delicious artichokes to be enjoyed straight from your home garden.

Preparing a Site for Growing Artichokes

Artichokes need to be able to grow quickly to become edible. Artichokes need partial to full sun and a lot of room. Do not plant artichokes in containers. Watering is key and the soil needs to be very good with excellent drainage. Artichokes prefer additions of compost and/ or manure in generous amounts each season. Slightly acidic soil will help with production.

Planting Artichokes

Place the plant in a 12”x 12” hole. You want the depth of the hole to be the same depth as the nursery container you bought the plant in. Fill the hole with rich compost. It is important to make sure the soil around the plants is well fertilized and loose. Keep the plant moist at all times. For highest production, fertilize the plants every 6-8 weeks with a balanced fertilizer. Allow five feet of growing room for each plant.

Caring for an Artichoke Plant

Here are some basic rules to achieve success:

  • Water well to encourage production.
  • Flowering too early will stress the new plant so stalks should be cut back.
  • When summer temperatures pass the mid-70s reduce the water and feeding.
  • After the first killing frost, cut off the big leaves and stems and mound earth around each plant. This will keep your plant healthy for next season.
  • One fourth of the plants should be replaced each year to keep production steady.

Harvesting Artichokes

Artichokes are perfect for eating when they reach a good size but before they begin to open. The bud is the edible part and can keep up to one month in the refrigerator.

Live in the Portland or Vancouver Metro area and looking for a place to buy artichokes? Don’t forget to call us at our Portland garden center today!

Growing a Currant Bush

Growing a Currant Bush

If you’re interested in growing a currant bush in your Pacific Northwest home, then you’re in luck. We wrote this guide specifically for you. We are always here to help.

Choosing A Site for Growing Your Currant Plant

Currants and gooseberries both prefer a sunny location but can tolerate part shade. The soil needs to be well drained and contain organic matter. It is ideal for the pH to range between 5.5-7.0. This is the typical pH range of the Willamette Valley naturally. Since currants and gooseberries are hosts to White Pine Blister Rust, it is not wise to plant these if you have five-needled pines in your landscape.

Currant Planting

Amend the soil with compost. Space the gooseberries and red or white currants 3-4 feet apart in rows. Black currants are more vigorous so spacing them 4-5 feet apart would be wise. Rows can be 7-10 feet apart. Dig a hole large enough to fit the spread of roots. Add a well-balanced slow release fertilizer to the fill soil. Press down on the soil around the plants to avoid air bubbles and water thoroughly. At planting time, prune all branches to a length of 4-6 inches. This will stimulate new growth. Mulch around the plants before the summer arrives with 2 inches of compost, sawdust or other organic materials.

Growing Currants

Remove all the blossoms the first year after planting. This will allow your plant to become more stable. Fertilizer should be applied each February and again in the late spring each year. Currants and gooseberries can also be trained as a fan shape on a trellis. This is attractive and will help with small spaces.

Pruning a Currant Bush

Pruning is best done in the winter months when the plants are dormant.

Red and white currants and gooseberries produce their fruit on 2-3 year old wood. Remove any stems that are older than 4 years old. Black currants produce best on 1 year old wood. Strong 1 year old canes and 2-3 year old canes that have an abundance of strong 1 year old branches are the most productive. When you prune, keep a total of 10-12 canes per mature bush- about half should be 1 year old shoots. Make your pruning cuts close to the ground.

Harvesting Currants

Pick black and white currants as well as gooseberries as an individual fruit. If you try to do this with red currants, you will ruin the fruit, so it is best to pick these in clusters.

Looking for where to get a currant bush? If you live in the Portland or Vancouver Metropolitan area, be sure to stop by our Portland garden center. We’ll always be available to answer your questions.

A lifelong Oregon resident, Drake has been passionate about plants since childhood, beginning with propagating and growing flowers at his grandfather’s nursery. He opened Drake’s 7 Dees in 1974, while earning degrees in Business and Horticulture from Oregon State University. He later expanded into the design/build side of the industry, allowing him to combine his passion for plants with his love of family by maximizing the quality of family time spent outdoors.

Drake is co-founder of the Oregon Landscape Contractors Association and is a Landscape Industry Certified Manager (LICM)—a designation that less than two percent of landscapers have attained. Additionally, Drake serves on the Board of Directors for the Portland Japanese Gardens, widely regarded as one of the seven best Japanese gardens outside of Japan.

Drake is married to former Oregon Speaker of the House, Lynn Snodgrass. Together, he and Lynn received the Farm Bureau President’s award in 1999 for their service and dedication to agriculture in the state of Oregon. Drake and Lynn have two wonderful daughters, two talented son-in-laws, and seven grandchildren. In his spare time, Drake enjoys camping, water and snow skiing, reading, and of course, gardening.

Born and raised in the Portland Metro Area… Tim has had an appreciation for the outdoors from a young age.  Inspired by our local beauty ranging: the Mt Hood National Forest to salty, sea spray of Cannon Beach, the arid high-desert of Central Oregon to the rugged terrain of Steens Mountain – Tim sought higher education at the University of Idaho in their Landscape Architecture department.  Graduating with honors in 2004, he returned home to establish his professional career.

Now making his home in Sandy, Oregon – Tim and his wife [Nicole] are raising two happy and healthy kiddos and 4 fur-babies.  Between soccer, football, cheerleading, girl scouts and other extra-curricular activities… the Sellin family are heavily involved in their community and church family.  Since college, Tim has spent 13 of his 17 years with Drake’s 7 Dees and has ‘set roots’ in anticipation of long-term growth at the family-focused company.  Having spent his time away from Drake’s in a ‘boots on the ground’ capacity, Tim has fostered a love for the operational/production side of landscape business, as well as the design/sales.

His goal in life as well as business is to put others first.

Bachelor of Science Landscape Architecture, BSLA… 2009
California Polytechnic University, Pomona… Cum Laude
American Society of Landscape Architects – Honor Award

Steven has 15 years of experience in the residential landscape design/build and garden center industry, including 9 years with Drake’s 7 Dees. Steven also has experience working with the National Park Service in Yosemite on sub-alpine restoration projects, as well as volunteer experience as a Peace Corps Volunteer serving the community of Zaouiat d’Ifrane in Morocco.

Together, Steven and his wife Anna have four lovely children, all 5 years old and under! In his (very limited) spare time, Steven enjoys camping, hiking, archery hunting, and cooking. Steven’s passion for his work lies in helping others, through design to envision a more beautiful space that, once built, becomes a reality that improves their quality of life.