Grow Cherries in Your Survival Garden

Cherries are important in a survival garden for several reasons. They are a great source of nutrition, containing essential vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants.

Cherries can be eaten fresh or used for making jams, jellies, pies, and other delicious treats. They are also easy to grow and can provide a bountiful harvest with minimal care.

To grow cherries, you need to choose a location with full sun exposure and well-draining soil. Cherries prefer slightly acidic soil with a pH of around 6.0-7.0. If your soil is too alkaline, you may need to add sulfur to lower the pH.

You can either plant bare-root or potted cherry trees in the spring or fall. When planting, dig a hole that is twice as wide and deep as the root ball, and add compost or well-rotted manure to the soil. Plant the cherry tree at the same depth it was growing in its container or nursery bed, and water thoroughly.

Cherry trees require regular watering, especially during the growing season. Mulching around the base of the tree with straw or compost can help retain moisture and suppress weeds.

In the first year, you should prune the cherry tree to a central leader and remove any broken or damaged branches. In subsequent years, prune to remove any diseased or dead wood and shape the tree.

Cherry trees require cross-pollination to produce fruit, so it is best to plant two or more different varieties of cherries near each other. Cherries typically ripen in late spring or early summer and should be harvested when they are fully ripe but still firm. You can use cherries fresh, freeze them for later use, or use them to make jams, jellies, pies, and other delicious treats.