Jeff McClintock

Thanks for all the help!  My soil is clay-ish so the planting link was a real money saver.

Forgot to add that I wonder if anyone has experience with bare root plants.  Here’s the issue:
I still have 2 feet of snow.  The nursery ships in April which is when snow usually clears off.  Lots of wet clay soil until may.  I have at least a week of prep work before I can plant so I’m concerned about timing.  
Anyone have experience pre-planting bate root plantsIn fiber pots?  
I have a big walk-in cooler I can use to help keep them dormant but then you have to keep them moist and with the size of the order that 9x12x9 cooler will be bulging at the seams so dragging them in and out doesn’t seem practical.

Thank you all for your replies.  I’m definitely thinking sea berries. As well as the following:
Red, black and golden currants
Lingonberries (though I don’t know how productive these are)
Guomi berries
Hardy kiwi
Gooseberries
Edible wintergreen
Wine grapes

I thought about then rejected autumn olive.  Even though they are highly productive, they are not in Idaho and are invasive.  

For trees I’m thinking a mix of apples, cherries, plums, pears, figs, hazelnuts, walnut and heartnut.

Matt was right about sea berries. I found a nursery that sells a bundle of 100 3-6 inch seedlings for $200

Also thinking hops and possibly some veggies for this year as most of the berry and tree plantings won’t bear fruit for awhile and I still have to pay the bills😊

Thank you, Lorne for the website!

As always, your input is gratefully received.

Jeff

Hi Greg. Fantastic pics.  I’m in North Idaho and am working on a design which incorporates a number of the plants and berries you have. .  I’d really love to pick your brain for some suggestions for my food forest. I have commercial aspirations for value-added berry products and I’m looking for info from an experienced gardener.  I’m in zone 6 but I’m planning for 4.  I want to choose plants with relatively fast fruiting and high yield.  Any help would be greatly appreciated!

Jeff

Hi All,
I’m looking for a mentor for my new project. Plans are to initially develop 1 acre of my 20 in North Idaho into a berry and herb farm that will provide ingredients for jams, jellies,  infused oils and vinegars.  It needs to be a niche product so I will avoid blueberries, blackberries, raspberries and strawberries other than for personal consumption.  The emphasis is on high health-value berries like sea berries or currants, etc.  I’m looking for recommendations on plant material as well as spacing and placement.  It’s a north-facing parcel in zone 6 but I’m planning for zone 4.  I’m hoping for feedback from designers or others with experience in this climate/plant combination.  

Cheers and happy growing!