Lavender is growing well

Quite a while ago I mentioned that we had started a small lavender farm in New York - About 90 or so plants, that have since developed another 25 or so plants, but we have lost most of the variety of Provence - seems like due to cold weather conditions during the winter and the placement of the plants along a windy corridor of the property. The grosso and hidcote are performing beautifully, and this years growth is looking very promising.

Pruning Grape Vines

My property that I recently purchased also has many grape vines that have been neglected for at least 15 years. While the business of renovating a house that was also in neglect has taken priority, as I mentioned in my last post I have finally begun pruning the grape vines, which today, produce few if any berry clusters. The ones that do produce are not that tasty. So, I'm just trying to control overgrowth at the moment and will keep you posted on progress or set backs. If anyone has any thoughts, please let me know. I'm trying not to be too drastic, but certainly assertive in the pruning. Thanks.

Pruning Black Raspberries for the Best Flowers and Fruit

It seems like I got to pruning my black raspberry bushes and grape vines a bit late this year as there was so much business travel, but at the same time, the weather is still quite mild so I'm hopeful that it was not too late to produce some good fruit this year. Research tells me that I should have pruned them about 2-3 weeks ago. The other thing I learned is that I should be pruning black raspberries 3 times per year. Once in mid March, then after growth in mid summer, cutting back the tips - called "tipping", and then finally after the fruit, removing those canes that produced the fruit. Let's hope they flower freely and set many blossoms. For more detailed information, please visit the MSU site and the OSU site.