Boysenberries: A Guide to Growing and Protecting Your Berry Patch
Introduction
Boysenberries are a delicious and nutritious fruit that is easy to grow in your own backyard. They are a vining plant that is drought and cold resistant, and they produce an abundance of berries in the summer. However, like all plants, boysenberries are susceptible to pests and diseases. In this article, we will discuss how to grow boysenberries, identify and control pests, and protect your berry patch from birds.
Growing Boysenberries
Boysenberries are easy to grow from cuttings or plants. They prefer well-drained soil with a pH between 6.0 and 7.0. Plant them in a sunny location with plenty of room to grow. Water them regularly, especially during hot, dry weather.
Pest Control
The most common pests of boysenberries are birds, insects, and mites.
Birds
Birds love to eat boysenberries, so it is important to protect your berry patch from them. You can do this by:
- Covering the bushes with netting
- Placing bird feeders away from the berry patch
- Scaring birds away with noise or motion
Insects
Several insects can damage boysenberries, including cane borers, raspberry bud moths, leafrollers, bronze beetles, leafhoppers, mites, and aphids. You can control these pests by:
- Using insecticidal soap
- Handpicking insects off the plants
- Keeping the area around the bushes free of weeds
- Using chemical controls, such as permethrin or carbaryl, if necessary
Mites
Mites are tiny creatures that can suck the juices from boysenberry plants. They can cause the leaves to curl and turn brown. You can control mites by:
- Using insecticidal soap
- Spraying the plants with water
- Introducing predatory mites to the berry patch
Protecting Your Berry Patch from Birds
In addition to the methods listed above, you can also protect your berry patch from birds by:
- Planting thorny varieties of boysenberries
- Harvesting the berries as soon as they are ripe
- Freezing or canning the berries to preserve them
Conclusion
Boysenberries are a delicious and nutritious fruit that is easy to grow in your own backyard. By following the tips in this article, you can protect your berry patch from pests and diseases and enjoy a bountiful harvest of berries.
