Late winter and early spring are the optimal feeding times for Edibles!

Late winter and early spring are the optimal times to feed and groom many of our perennial edibles like blueberries, grapes, herbs, artichokes and strawberries.

Blueberries would like to be fed in early spring (March) with an acid fertilizer such as Azalea Camellia food or Maxsea Acid. Apply again in May. Acidify the soil in early spring with FST. Blueberries are best pruned in late winter (February). You want to remove 1/3 to 1/2 the growth. Remove non-vigorous, twiggy wood. Remove low, basal growth. Select the best branches that have the best color. Remove twigs with a blotchy appearance. Head back 1/2 the best canes to stimulate side branching.

Grapes (which require no feeding during the growing season) will benefit from an application of EB Stone All Purpose Fertilizer 5-5-5 now. Pruning the canes or spurs should be done before the buds swell.

Strawberries and artichokes should be fed with the All Purpose as well but will benefit from an additional application of Seaweed Extract or Kelp Meal. Apply the fertilizer and then cover with a fresh layer of mulch such as Planting Compost or Forest Mulch Plus. Apply bug bait such as Sluggo Plus or Green light Slug and Snail. These baits control ants and sowbugs as well as snails, all of which can be problems.

Woody herbs such as rosemary, thyme and lavender should be sheared to correct their shape. This pruning will encourage bushiness later this spring. Feed when new growth begins to appear with the EB Stone All Purpose Fertilizer or Maxsea All Purpose. Soft herbs such as Oregano, savory, lemon balm and marjoram should be cut back to the basal growth to get rid of the old foliage and stems. Feed as you would the woody herbs.