Cranberry

Growing

A cranberry patch needs to mimic the native boggy habitat, with acidic soil at a pH between 4.5 and 5.5. Because these are low-matting, trailing perennials, they grow in areas with constant moisture and can handle much wetter soil than most garden crops. When planting from nursery stock or divisions, place at least two different plants near each other to allow pollination, as they need a second plant to produce fruit.

As the vines spread across the ground, check the foliage and fruit. You may encounter cranberry fruit rot, so maintain air circulation and monitor moisture levels. Since the berries do not continue to ripen once they are removed from the vine, harvest them only when they have reached full maturity.

Once you have gathered your harvest, do not wash the berries if you plan to keep them for later use. Store them unwashed in the refrigerator. For long-term preservation, you can also freeze the berries or can them.