“Partial shade” means a spot where a plant gets at least 2 hours of full sun per day, or shaded for at least half the day. [3] X Research source
Construct your berms long enough to accommodate however many elderberry plants you plan to plant, which will be spaced about 6 feet (1. 8 m) apart, with a couple feet on either side of the endmost elderberries. For example, if you plant 3 bushes, construct your berm to be about 20–22 feet (6. 1–6. 7 m) long. You can also plant them in separate berms. You can increase soil pH with lime, or decrease it with aluminum sulfate or sulfur, which can be purchased for garden use. [6] X Research source Follow the instructions on the packaging to achieve the target pH.
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Elderberries are most reliably and successfully planted in the form of 1-year-old plants. [10] X Research source
With a rubber mallet, hammer a staple every 8–12 inches (20–30 cm) along both sides of the berm and at the ends, so that the fabric lays flat and secure. [14] X Research source
Elderberries seeds have a very low germination rate, and so this method may not yield any plants.
Avoid pruning plants in the first 1-2 years. These young plants are still becoming established, and pruning them will only prevent their full growth. [18] X Research source
Since domesticating elderberries is a relatively recent practice, research on safe herbicides is still ongoing. Consult the label of any herbicides you use to ensure they won’t damage your elderberries, or choose an herbicide specified for use around shrubs and woody plants.
Allow the propagated branch to sit in indirect sunlight for 6 weeks, then transplant into a larger pot. Keep it watered and plant it in the ground the following spring. [20] X Research source
Alternatively, wash smaller batches of berries in a colander under running water.