‘Master gardener’ registration under way

by Staff Report Fairbanks Daily News Miner

FAIRBANKS — Registration has begun for the latest master gardener training classes offered by the Cooperative Extension S…………… continues on Fairbanks Daily News-Miner

Winter is a good time to assess the berry patch. Whether you have strawberries, brambleberries or blueberries, all can use some attention now. Here is what to do:

WEED — Berries resent any weed competition, so now is the time to lightly pull out all weeds that have taken hold over the winter. If weeds are deeply rooted it is best to add a thin layer of garden compost mixed with a slow-release organic fertilizer over stubborn weeds, then cover with newspaper. Next, add a 3-inch-thick layer of chipper mulch. This will smother them. Weeds that do manage to pop through will be weakened and easier to pull.

FEED — Around the base to the drip line of each bush, add a generous portion of organic fertilizer such as a basic 4-4-4, along with a good dose of worm castings and garden compost.

MULCH — Adding a 2- to 3-inch-thick mulch of aged, ground fir bark mixed with aged manure and garden compost is a perfect top dressing for most berries. If you can get chipper mulch from local tree services, all the better. Redwood-based mulches and pine needles are good for blueberry plants.

Lay mulch material 3 inches thick. Maintaining a thick mulch goes a long way in keeping plants weed-free.

PRUNING — Since blueberries flower and bear fruit on last year’s wood, light pruning is advised. Thinning out old wood is the rule of thumb. Fi…………… continues on Times-Standard