Planting a Jostaberry

I’ve been wanting a Jostaberry aka Ribes x culverwelii since I heard about them in my permaculture class. I am a huge fan of edible perennials! When I saw it this spring at the local plant store, I couldn’t really resist.

Jostaberry is a hardy plant good in USDA zones 3-8 and down to –40F! It should handle Minnesota winters without trouble. This particular plant will get about 4-6 feet tall and about 4 foot around. If I am lucky, it should fruit next year.

The first step was to dig a big hole twice as large as the pot in a sunny spot. I then filled it with some finished compost. I put the plant in and then filled in the rest of the gaps with finished compost. I did not return the original soil since it is of pretty poor quality.

I pushed down with my boot around the edges to make sure it was level and the air gaps were taken up.

Next, I started to sheet mulch with some cardboard. This will help suppress the weeds and grass around the plant.

I covered the cardboard with a thick layer of woodchip mulch.

A heavy, slow watering and the Jostaberry is ready for life in my front yard.

 

Do you have any experience with Jostaberry? Leave me a comment below.

Growing a Pineapple Part 2

Earlier, I had posted about how to start growing a pineapple from a cutting of the top: Growing a Pineapple Part1. This post picks up where the other left off two months ago.

The pineapple plant is much bigger now and has grown almost a dozen new leaves. I can tell which are the new leaves since I snipped the tips of the original leaves.

A healthy root mass has also developed. I was changing the water every other day or so for the last two months. I think I could have planted it sooner, but it still seems healthy enough.

The pineapple plant potted in the dirt. It has grown more than double in size from before. I’ve been leaving it outside, so it can get maximum sunlight. Once the weather starts getting cooler, I will bring it inside for the winter.

Related Posts:

• Growing a Pineapple Part1