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nafex - [NAFEX] It just aint so

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  • From: fuwa fuwa usagi <fuwafuwausagi@muchomail.com>
  • To: nafex@lists.ibiblio.org
  • Subject: [NAFEX] It just aint so
  • Date: Wed, 7 Aug 2002 11:30:43 -0700 (PDT)

Gang:

The one thing I learned over the past few years, is to question the
conventional wisdom espoused in so many growing guides. I developed this
opinion after meeting several authors and assessing their character,
horticultural ability, and intelligence. That is not to say everything in
print is garbage, but more of a reflection of the research derived
publications that simply are not based on practical experience.

A few years back I reported that I was only able to get success growing some
varieties of raspberries in either dappled shape or shade. That sparked a
few experiments on my part. The results may surprise you. I planted 4
varieties in the shade of a maple and locust trees around my compost bin. I
took children from the mother rows that are planted in very, very rich
composted soil in full sun and irrigated. The shaded plants require no
irrigation.

Here are the results:

Triple Crown Blackberry – These ripen fully sweet in the shade with no
decrease in size. One disadvantage is the plant seems even more spreading
in the shade. And it roots everywhere.

Taylor Raspberry – no size difference, although there is a marked difference
in cane size and overall vigor. However as my tailors grow to big in the sun
and require two prunings, this does not seem to be a disadvantage.

Autumn Bliss Raspberry - Autumn Bliss grown in the shade is a large as in
the sun, and appears almost purple as opposed to red when fully ripe in the
shade. They seem more flavorful in the shade then in the sun.

Heritage – there appears to be a mild retardation in ripening. In my area,
a few days are critical so this is not recommended. There is no difference
in flavor.

In addition I had no difficulty growing and fruiting all the varieties in
pots (the I gallon size you get from the nursery) in shade. These are simply
on the North side of my house. The fruit was sweet and delicious. I
planted these in pots as the soil on the north side of my house is clay.

In conclusion, I do not find any reason that the home grower cannot grow
quality cane berries (of the above tested varieties) in either dappled shade
or shade. My fruit gets about two hours of sunlight during the day at
sunrise and sunset.

I wish all of you the very best,

The fluffy bunny (who is fully gorged on Triple Crown Black Berries and
savoring the last remnants of Taylor Raspberries, while struggling to eat he
musky Consorts currents – great hedge, not so good out of hand).









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