The Raspberry Patch

Hubby got to work this week on our new Raspberry Patch.

He took clipings and seedlings from his mom's Raspberry plants to start ours.

We have two rows on the SW corner of the Orchard that once homed grapvines. Most had died off by the time we moved here, but there are still a few we are trying to keep going. The parts of the grapevine area no longer 'housing' live grape vines are now being transformed to other gardens - hence the Raspberry Patch.

Another section is going to be for my Moon & Stars Watermelons.

Hubby got 15 seedlings planted; fingers crossed they do well!

If I remember correctly, I think he said one plant is a Blackberry bush too.


What do you plant with/near your Berry bushes? Anyone?

I hope to see lots of Raspberry jam & butter next year :)

Companion Planting

As I may have mentioned in a previous post, we are trying to 'Companion Plant' our garden this year as well as make our larger garden into raised beds. I am working on diagrams for hubby to go by. Just when I think I have things where I like it, I want to switch something or I am questioning if there is a better way!


I would really like to hear from any of my readers if you do 'Companion Planting' with your gardens -- with your veggies, herbs, flowers...any of it. And if so, what are some tips you have? What have you found helpful? What really works for you in your area?

Alas, I mentioned hubby is working on his Rasp/Blackberry patch too -- any suggestions for companion planting in there? I didn't find much when doing a brief google search.

Hubby working up the new Rasp/Blackberry patch

Side Note: Chives planted underneath apple trees are said to help prevent scab on your apples. Do you think hubby would plant chives under our 120 apple trees ;) ?

I am letting the book 'Carrots Love Tomatoes' by Louise Riotte be my guide, however, I am still stumped on what I want to plant with our carrots nor can I decide how & where I want to place our bell peppers - Jupiter Peppers to be exact ;) Any suggestions. I know I can plant my peppers with some basil, but I am already planting basil with my tomatoes and since I haven't grown the basil from seed, I am not looking to break the bank on basil plants :)

Hubby preparing the gardens...dumping in some composted manure