1. What are the soil requirements for growing bramble berries, strawberries, grapes, and blueberries?
Bramble Berries: These include blackberries and raspberries. Brambles require loamy soil with a lot of organic matter mixed in with it. They will not tolerate sandy soil, or heavy soil that leaves moisture standing on the roots. A heavy layer of mulch will help the soil retain water and keep weeds down.
Strawberries: Strawberries need well-worked soil with good drainage and plenty of organic material mixed in with it.
Grapes: Grapes require fertile, well-drained soil. It should be mixed with plenty of compost, but be careful to not over-fertilize.
Blueberries: Blueberries require soil that is well-drained and porous. It should also have lots of organic material in it, and it should be acidic with a pH between 4.5 and 5.5. A heavy layer of mulch will help the soil retain water and keep weeds down.
2. Write a one-page report telling how to grow one of the above fruits. Include the following:
a. Variety selection
b. Soil preparation
c. Planting techniques
d. Fertilizing
e. Pruning (where applicable)
f. Watering
g. Pest control
h. Harvesting
3. Name three varieties of each fruit that will grow well in your area.
4. Prune two blueberry bushes, two grape vines, or a ten-foot row of bramble berries at the proper time in the family garden or for a friend or neighbor.
5. What is a perishable crop?
6. How long can strawberries, bramble berries, blueberries, and grapes be stored?
7. Describe a serious insect or disease pest for each fruit. Include when the problem occurs, damage caused, and chemical or cultural treatments. Use as many pictures or drawings as possible.
8. Take a soil test from a garden and determine which fruits will grow there. Ask for fertilizer recommendations for one of the crops and determine the cost of fertilizer needed for six 100-foot (30.5 meters) rows.
