-For bush fruit like dwarf sour cherries it is generally recommended that the row spacing is about 16 feet and the plant spacing within the row between 3 to 6 feet.

-Mulch is recommended for the cherries to keep weeds down in the rows and to keep moisture in the ground. Plastic mulch is the best mulch but other mulches could be used as well.

-Drip irrigation is highly recommended, especially for the first three years to ensure proper establishment of the plants.

-A ground cover in between the rows is also recommended. A drought resistant grass like Sheep’s Fescue could be used. The ground cover reduces soil erosion, reduces weeds and reduces disruption of the roots that regular cultivation brings. Disruption of the roots of bush fruits causes heavy suckering of the plants.

-If all these suggestions are used, labour will be kept down to a minimum for maintenance such as weeding and watering.

-The only cultivar of dwarf sour cherry on the market now is SK Carmine Jewel. It is a dark red fruit with very dark red juice and high yields. It doesn't sucker very much which is good for keeping it under control. There are about 5 more varieties that will be released next year that a number of nurseries will be distributing.

Planting Supplies Links

Irrigation Mart has everything for irrigation and plastic mulch including a mulch applicator that lays irrigation, creates a raised bed and lays the plastic mulch in one pass. This company is based in Louisiana.

Roberts Irrigation Supplies has irrigation supplies and has dealers all over Canada.

Irrigro is based in Ontario and is a major supplier of drip irrigation.

Prairie Links Ag Directory has everything needed for an orchard including fertilizer suppliers, irrigation supplies and equipment.

S & S Seed Inc. has sheep's fescue and other grass seeds for ground cover between the rows

DnA Gardens is the only supplier of SK Carmine Jewel right now.