Grow Beach Plum With These Expert Tips

Growing Beach Plum: Tips and Tricks

Choosing the Right Location

Beach plums thrive in well-drained, sandy soils. They love the sun, so pick a spot that gets at least 6 hours of sunlight daily.

In my garden, I planted beach plums on a south-facing slope. Not only do they get ample sunlight, but the slope ensures good drainage.

Soil Preparation

These plants aren't too picky but perform best in slightly acidic to neutral pH soils. Aim for a pH between 5.5 and 7.0.

When I first started, I added organic compost to the sandy soil to enrich it. This gave my beach plums a fantastic start.

Planting

Plant beach plum shrubs in early spring. Space them about 4-6 feet apart for adequate air circulation.

Dig a hole twice as wide as the root ball, but just as deep. This gives the roots space to spread and establish.

Watering

Beach plums are drought-tolerant but need regular watering when young. Water them deeply once a week.

During a particularly dry summer, I set up a drip irrigation system. It kept the soil consistently moist without overwatering.

Pruning

Pruning is essential for healthy growth and fruit production. It should be done in late winter or early spring.

Remove any dead or diseased branches first. Then, thin out the center to improve airflow.

• Always use sharp, clean tools to avoid spreading disease.
• Cut at an angle to prevent water from sitting on the cuts.

Fertilizing

Beach plums aren't heavy feeders. Too much fertilizer can lead to excessive foliage and fewer fruits.

I use a balanced 10-10-10 slow-release fertilizer in early spring. One light application is usually enough for the season.

Pest and Disease Management

Beach plums are relatively pest-resistant. However, they can sometimes attract aphids or scale insects.

If you notice pests, a simple insecticidal soap usually does the trick. For scale, I use a horticultural oil spray.

Did you know? Beach plums are native to the Atlantic coast, making them well-suited for coastal gardens.

Harvesting

Beach plums ripen from late summer to early fall. They turn a deep purple or blue when ripe.

In my experience, they taste best when slightly soft to the touch. I always do a taste test before harvesting the entire crop.

Uses and Benefits

Besides being delicious, beach plums are rich in antioxidants and vitamins. They make excellent jams, jellies, and even wines.

I once made a batch of beach plum jelly that was a hit at our neighborhood potluck. The tangy, sweet flavor is unbeatable.

Growing beach plum is a rewarding experience that offers more than just fruit. The shrubs are beautiful, resilient, and beneficial to local wildlife.

Growing Beach plums in your garden is a great way to diversify your landscape and provide invaluable habitat for your local wildlife. In addition to their beauty and hardiness, these delicious fruits can be used to make an array of preserves and jellies and can provide you and your family with an abundance of fresh, delicious eats! So, come on and get growing, what are you waiting for?