Planting Your New Elderberry Tree

Planting:

• Choose a location with well-draining soil and full sun to partial shade.
• Prepare the soil by removing weeds, grass, and debris, then amend with organic matter such as compost or peat moss.
• Dig a hole twice as wide as the root ball and just as deep.
• Remove the plant from its container and loosen any tangled roots. Place the plant in the hole and backfill with soil.
• Water thoroughly to settle soil around the roots.
• Mulch around the base of the plant to conserve moisture and suppress weeds.

Care:

• Water regularly, keeping the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged.
• Fertilize in early spring and mid-summer with a balanced fertilizer.
• Prune as needed to remove any dead, diseased, or crossing branches, and to maintain a desirable shape.
• Apply a fresh layer of mulch each year to conserve moisture and suppress weeds.
• Monitor for pests and diseases and treat promptly if necessary.

Note: Elderberries are very hardy and low maintenance, making them an ideal choice for novice gardeners. They also have a number of uses, from making wine and jelly to using the leaves in teas, so be sure to harvest the fruit regularly when it is in season.