Marianne's Response

Growing fruit trees and bramble bushes in Missouri

I live in southeast Missouri, I don’t even know what zone it is as I am not much of a gardener. I bought a raspberry and a blackberry bush and need advice as to the best time to plant them. Also, how much sun is full sun, and can they get burned out if there is too much sun? I somehow managed to start an orange tree from seed, and would like a few tips on keeping it in a pot; like how big a pot should I keep it in, when would I be able to put it outdoors and all that. Thank you in advance for your expert advice.

Posted by Annetta Evans on March 22, 2014

Marianne's Response

Spring is a great time to plant berries so put your raspberry and blackberry plants into the ground now. Full sun means six hours or more of direct sunlight and it your summers are hot - over 95 degrees for more than 4 or 5 days in a row - I would give them some protection from the hot afternoon sun. Putting them on the East side of the house would be ideal. Congrats on your orange tree. Transplant it to a bigger pot that is 8 inches across when the plant has at least 10 leaves. You can grow it outdoors after all danger of frost, usually in May, but be sure to bring it back indoors or into a greenhouse in September before a hard frost. Sounds like you have a great start on your own farm and fruit stand. Congratulations. Keep growing, Marianne Binetti

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