Fruits, Berries, and More - Backyard Farming: On an Acre - page 158

Blueberries grow easily on bushes as long as their soil pH needs are met. One of the most nutritious (not to
mention pricey) fruits can be grown right in your backyard.
Blueberries don't need very much pruning, but as with all shrubs cleaning up dead, broken, or over-
crowded branches will improve the bush and help prevent diseases. Blueberries ripen over a long
period, so you'll want to pick ripe berries every couple of days or so as they turn. It's okay to skip a
couple days because berries will hold well on the bush. You know they are ready to pick when they
fall off in your hands with a light tug.
Fresh berries are fabulous for eating and will last for a few days in the fridge. You can also freeze
them, cook with them, bake pies, or make jams. Blueberries also dehydrate well and can be added
to granola or trail mixes.
Grapes ( Vitis spp. )
Grapes are a classic arbor vine, and for good reason. They provide bold foliage for shade in the
summer, decorative vines, and classic fruits. There are several varieties of grapes that will grow
across the United States in zones 3 through 10. The biggest consideration for adding grapes to your
backyard farm is that the vines are thick when mature and need a sturdy support, and that they
need yearly pruning.
There are two types of grapes that are native to the United States: the fox grape and the muscadine
grapes. European grapes do best in the West with dry, hot summers. Muscadine grapes are some-
times called Scuppernong grapes, which is actually the name of the most popular cultivar, and the
leaves of these native grapes turn yellow in the fall.