Today I would like to chat about growing, planting, and caring for different kinds of raspberries in Northern Ontario, Canada.

First off, it should be noted that Raspberries are a delicious and nutritious fruit that can be easily grown here in the north, or for that matter anywhere. Well … other than the desert. There are many different varieties of raspberries, but the two most common types are red raspberries and black raspberries. In this post, I will go through the process of growing, planting, and caring for both types of raspberries.

Red Raspberries

Red raspberries are the most common type of raspberry and are known for their sweet taste. They are typically grown on upright canes and produce fruit in the summer. Here are the steps to grow red raspberries in Northern Ontario:

1. Choose a suitable location: Red raspberries require full sun and well-drained soil. Choose a location that receives at least 6 hours of direct sunlight per day.
2. Prepare the soil: Loosen the soil to a depth of 12 inches and mix in organic matter like compost or well-rotted manure. This will help improve the soil’s fertility and drainage.
3. Plant the raspberries: Dig a hole deep enough to accommodate the plant’s roots, and plant the raspberry cane at the same depth as it was in its container. Space the plants 2 to 3 feet apart in rows that are 6 feet apart.
4. Water the raspberries: Water the raspberries thoroughly after planting and keep the soil moist but not waterlogged.
5. Mulch the raspberries: Apply a layer of organic mulch like straw or wood chips around the base of the plants. This will help retain moisture in the soil and prevent weed growth.
6. Prune the raspberries: In the first year, prune the raspberry canes back to about 6 inches above the ground. In subsequent years, prune the canes that have produced fruit and leave the new canes that will produce fruit the following year.
7. Fertilize the raspberries: Apply a balanced fertilizer in the spring and mid-summer to help promote healthy growth and fruit production. I prefer Natural Fertilizers such as cow manure. If you have to buy a commercial brand, make sure all the numbers are the same. An example would be 10-10-10.

Black Raspberries

Black raspberries are less common than red raspberries but are known for their unique flavor. They are typically grown on trailing canes and produce fruit in the early summer. Here are the steps to grow black raspberries in Northern Ontario:

1. Choose a suitable location: Black raspberries require full sun and well-drained soil. Choose a location that receives at least 6 hours of direct sunlight per day.
2. Prepare the soil: Loosen the soil to a depth of 12 inches and mix in organic matter like compost or well-rotted manure. This will help improve the soil’s fertility and drainage.
3. Plant the raspberries: Dig a hole deep enough to accommodate the plant’s roots, and plant the raspberry cane at the same depth as it was in its container. Space the plants 3 to 4 feet apart in rows that are 8 feet apart.
4. Water the raspberries: Water the raspberries thoroughly after planting and keep the soil moist but not waterlogged.
5. Mulch the raspberries: Apply a layer of organic mulch like straw or wood chips around the base of the plants. This will help retain moisture in the soil and prevent weed growth.
6. Train the raspberries: Black raspberries are trailing plants and require support. Install a trellis or support system to keep the canes off the ground.
7. Prune the raspberries: In the first year, prune the raspberry canes back to about 6 inches above the ground. In subsequent years, prune the canes that have produced fruit and leave the new canes that will produce fruit the following year.
8. I hope this might be of some help, and have a great day!

In this blog post, I will discuss the steps you can take to successfully grow strawberries in Northern Ontario, Canada.

Choosing the Right Variety

The first step in planting strawberries in Northern Ontario is to choose the right variety. Some strawberry varieties are better suited for colder climates, while others may struggle to grow in the region. Here are some varieties that are well-suited for Northern Ontario:

1. Honeoye: This variety is known for its early-season production, and it is well-suited for colder climates.
2. Jewel: This variety is a mid-season producer that is also well-suited for colder climates.
3. Allstar: This variety is a late-season producer that is known for its large fruit size.

Preparing the Soil

Once you have chosen the right variety, it’s time to prepare the soil. Strawberries prefer well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter. In Northern Ontario, the soil may be heavy and clay-like, so you may need to amend it with organic matter such as compost or aged manure.

It’s also important to ensure that the soil has a pH level between 5.5 and 6.5. You can test the pH level of your soil with a soil testing kit, which can be purchased at a local garden center or online.

Planting the Strawberries

Now that your soil is prepared, it’s time to plant the strawberries. You can plant strawberries in the spring, as soon as the ground has thawed and the soil temperature has reached 45°F.

Here are the steps to planting strawberries:

1. Create a planting hole that is wide enough to accommodate the plant’s roots.
2. Set the strawberry plant in the hole, making sure the crown is level with the soil surface.
3. Fill the hole with soil, being careful not to bury the crown of the plant.
4. Water the plant thoroughly to help settle the soil around the roots.
5. Space the plants about 12–18 inches apart, with rows spaced 2–3 feet apart.

Caring for the Strawberries

Once your strawberries are planted, it’s important to care for them properly to ensure a healthy and productive crop. Here are some tips for caring for your strawberries:

1. Water the plants regularly, especially during dry periods. Strawberries require about 1–2 inches of water per week.
2. Mulch the plants with straw or other organic material to help retain moisture and suppress weeds.
3. Fertilize the plants with a balanced fertilizer, such as a 10-10-10 formula, in early spring and again in early summer.
4. Protect the plants from frost in the spring by covering them with blankets or tarps.
5. Control pests and diseases by monitoring the plants regularly and taking action at the first sign of a problem.

Harvesting the Strawberries

After caring for your strawberries for several months, it’s time to harvest the fruit. In Northern Ontario, strawberries are typically ready for harvest in late June or early July.

Here are some tips for harvesting strawberries:

1. Pick the fruit when it is fully ripe and red in color.
2. Use a sharp knife or scissors to cut the fruit from the stem, being careful not to damage the plant.
3. Harvest the fruit regularly to prevent over-ripening and spoilage.

I hope this gets you motivated enough so that you plant a few this spring. I know I am. Have a great day. GW

Garlic is a wonderful addition to any dish, and growing your own winter garlic can be a rewarding experience. Winter garlic is planted in the fall and harvested in the spring, making it a great crop for cold weather climates. Here are some tips for harvesting your winter garlic:

1. Timing: Harvesting your garlic at the right time is crucial to getting the best flavor and shelf life. The bulbs should be mature, and the leaves should be brown and dying back. This typically happens in late spring or early summer, depending on your location and the weather.
2. Preparing the soil: Garlic grows best in well-drained soil that has been enriched with compost or other organic matter. Make sure to remove any weeds or other debris from the soil before planting your garlic, and consider adding a layer of mulch to help retain moisture.
3. Planting: Plant your garlic cloves about six inches apart and two inches deep in the soil. Make sure to cover the cloves with soil and water them thoroughly. Garlic requires a lot of water during its growth, so make sure to keep the soil moist.
4. Harvesting: When the leaves of your garlic plants have turned brown and the bulbs have matured, it is time to harvest them. Use a garden fork or shovel to loosen the soil around the bulbs, then gently pull them out of the ground. Be careful not to damage the bulbs or the roots.
5. Curing: After harvesting, it is important to let your garlic cure for several weeks. This allows the bulbs to dry out and develop a papery outer layer that will protect them during storage. Hang the garlic in a warm, dry place with good air circulation, such as a garage or shed.
6. Storing: Once your garlic has cured, it is ready to be stored. Remove any loose dirt or debris from the bulbs, but do not wash them. Store your garlic in a cool, dry place with good ventilation, such as a pantry or basement. Do not store garlic in the refrigerator, as this can cause the bulbs to sprout.

Harvesting your winter garlic can be a lot of fun and a rewarding experience, and it can provide you with fresh, flavorful garlic to use in your cooking throughout the year. By following these tips, you can ensure a successful garlic harvest and enjoy the fruits of your labor.

I can’t wait till mine is ready to dig. Nothing like fresh Garlic.

Chaga is a medicinal mushroom that has been used for centuries in traditional medicine. It is known for its potential health benefits, which include boosting the immune system, reducing inflammation, and fighting cancer cells. In this blog post, we will discuss how to use chaga and how to harvest it.

What is Chaga? Well, I’ll tell ya.

Chaga, is a type of mushroom that grows on the bark of birch trees. It has a dark, hard, and crusty exterior, and a soft, orange-brown interior. Chaga is rich in antioxidants, including polysaccharides and phenolic compounds, which may contribute to its potential health benefits.

Using Chaga

Chaga can be consumed in various forms, including as a tea, powder, or tincture. Here are some ways to use chaga:

Chaga Tea: To make chaga tea, you will need to first harvest the chaga. Then, you can break the chaga into small pieces and steep them in hot water for at least 30 minutes. You can also add other herbs or spices, such as cinnamon or ginger, to enhance the flavor.

Chaga Powder: Chaga powder can be used to add a nutritional boost to smoothies, oatmeal, or baked goods. You can either purchase chaga powder or make your own by grinding dried chaga in a coffee grinder.

Chaga Tincture: A tincture is a concentrated liquid extract made from herbs or mushrooms. To make a chaga tincture, you will need to soak chopped chaga in a high-proof alcohol, such as vodka or rum, for several weeks. The alcohol extracts the beneficial compounds from the chaga, creating a potent tincture.

Harvesting Chaga

If you want to harvest chaga, there are a few things you should keep in mind. First, it is important to only harvest chaga from living birch trees, as dead or dying trees can contain harmful bacteria and fungi. Second, you should only take a small piece of chaga from each tree to avoid damaging the tree and to allow the chaga to regenerate.

Here are the steps to harvest chaga:

1. Look for a birch tree with a chaga growth. The chaga will be a dark, hard, and crusty growth on the bark of the tree.
2. Use a sharp knife or chisel to carefully remove the chaga. Make sure to leave a small piece of chaga on the tree to allow for regeneration.
3. Clean the chaga by scraping off any dirt or debris. You can also rinse it with water and pat it dry.
4. Store the chaga in a dry, cool place, away from sunlight.

Conclusion

Chaga is a potent medicinal mushroom that can be consumed in various forms, including as a tea, powder, or tincture. If you want to harvest chaga, make sure to only take a small piece from living birch trees and to leave a piece of chaga on the tree to allow for regeneration. With proper harvesting and preparation, chaga can be a valuable addition to your health regimen.

Starting your own vegetables indoors is a great way to get a jump start on your spring planting. Not only does it give you a head start on the growing season, but it also allows you to choose from a wider variety of plants than what may be available at your local nursery or garden center. Plus, it’s a fun and rewarding activity that can be enjoyed by gardeners of all skill levels.

To get started, you’ll need a few basic supplies:

1. Seed trays or containers
2. Potting soil
3. Seeds
4. Grow lights or a sunny window
5. Watering can or spray bottle

Here are the steps to starting your own vegetables indoors:

1. Choose your seeds: Start by selecting the vegetables you want to grow. Some great options for indoor growing include tomatoes, peppers, herbs, and leafy greens like lettuce and spinach.
2. Prepare your containers: Choose seed trays or containers that are deep enough for the roots to grow, and make sure they have drainage holes at the bottom. Fill the containers with potting soil, leaving about half an inch of space at the top.
3. Plant your seeds: Follow the instructions on the seed packets for how deep to plant the seeds and how far apart they should be. Gently water the soil after planting.
4. Provide light: Vegetables need plenty of light to grow, so place your containers in a sunny window or under grow lights for at least 12-16 hours per day.
5. Water regularly: Check the soil daily and water as needed. Use a watering can or spray bottle to avoid disturbing the seeds.
6. Thin and transplant: Once your seedlings have grown their first set of true leaves, thin them out so there’s only one seedling per container. When they’ve grown large enough, you can transplant them outside into your garden.
7. Harden off: Before transplanting your seedlings outside, it’s important to gradually expose them to the outdoors over a period of several days. This will help them adjust to the cooler temperatures and stronger sunlight.

Starting your own vegetables indoors may take a bit of effort, but the rewards are well worth it. With a little patience and care, you can enjoy a bountiful harvest of fresh, home-grown vegetables all season long.

I hope this helps a wee bit. GW