Growing Garden Huckleberry

This is the second year that I've grown Garden Huckleberry from seed.  The first year I only planted 2 and had an okay crop but then I let the plants die.  Ooopps!  Garden Huckleberries produce fruit the first year which is why they are a great berry to try in your home garden.

Baby Garden Huckleberry

I grow everything from seed!  It's not that difficult and that way I know exactly what I'm getting from start to finish.  All of the seeds I plant (from Mary's Heirloom Seeds) are untreated, organic, non-gmo heirloom seeds.

Plant seeds in moist soil and cover with approx 1/4 inch of soil.  Seeds should germinate within 2 weeks.  Seedlings should receive at least five hours of sun every day.  I start seeds in my laundry room where I have large windows and plenty of space.  Once the seedlings grow about 2 inches tall they will be transplanted to large pots.  Our house move is stalled for 1 more month so everything is going in containers.

Plants should be bushy.  This one needed more fertilizer or compost.

Garden Huckleberries like rich soil and partial shade.  Adding compost or chicken manure will increase the plant yield.  I plant my Huckleberry when I plant my tomatoes and fertilize the same as well.  Growing Huckleberries are very easy and not much bothers the plant.  The plants have some cold tolerance and fruit may continue to ripen after light frosts.

Small basket of berries from 1 bush

Green fruit are mildly poisonous, just like potato leaves or green potatoes. The fruits do not taste like much when picked, sometimes they can can be bitter. A pleasing berry taste does come through surprising well when it is cooked with  sugar. It can be used as a viable substitute for blueberries in pies, jams and syrup.

You can purchase heirloom Garden Huckleberry seeds

from Mary's Heirloom Seeds.
That's all for now!  Any questions?

Depending on the day I'm joining these parties and Wildcrafting Wednesday.