Ygerna Posted August 28, 2009 Share Posted August 28, 2009 I have an elderberry tree in my front garden. I've read that they can help deter flies so I want to see if I can get one (or two) around my WIR. I've not had a real problem with flies just want to try and A) take all precautions possible and B)get lots of flowers and berries to harvest for my home made things. Can anyone tell me if I can just take some ripe berries from the tree in the front, and kind of scatter/sow them around the area I want them to grow in the hope that one might grow? (I've posted this here as I was not sure which forum to out it in, it covers so many possible options mods please move if you feel it would be better elsewhere) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chook n Boo Mum Posted August 28, 2009 Share Posted August 28, 2009 No idea, but I awaiting the answer too............. Sha x Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Olly Posted August 30, 2009 Share Posted August 30, 2009 No experience of this, but I'd be inclined to sow berries in a seed tray, and transplant them when they're bigger, because you can position them where you want them then - also there's less chance of the seedlings being scratched up by hens or 'weeded' out. I don't know if you can grow elderberries from seed but since they pop up all over the countryside, I'd guess it can't be that hard! Another option would be to take some cuttings and try and grow them on, which would speed the process up. However, one thought comes to my mind - wild birds love elderberries, and so if you plant them near the run, will you be increasing the chance of disease or red mite being transferred to your hens? I don't know, just a random thought that came to me - my run is under apple trees and it hasn't caused a problem, and maybe you alread have a lot of birds around. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Abbey Road Girl Posted September 5, 2009 Share Posted September 5, 2009 I have an elderberry tree in my front garden. I've read that they can help deter flies so I want to see if I can get one (or two) around my WIR. I've not had a real problem with flies just want to try and A) take all precautions possible and B)get lots of flowers and berries to harvest for my home made things. Can anyone tell me if I can just take some ripe berries from the tree in the front, and kind of scatter/sow them around the area I want them to grow in the hope that one might grow? I was all set to plant an elderberry bush in my back garden for the lovely flowers and the berries, but then I came across something that said that elderberries were poisonous to chickens and that scuppered my plan. Since I can't quote the source of this information, don't take my word for it but do the research. Nice that you have an elderberry tree in your front garden though! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Nicola O Posted September 7, 2009 Share Posted September 7, 2009 I was all set to plant an elderberry bush in my back garden for the lovely flowers and the berries, but then I came across something that said that elderberries were poisonous to chickens and that scuppered my plan. I have a huge Elder in the back garden.....and the choocks go mad for them. Whenever I pick them or the wild birds knock some off the tree there is a mad rugby scrum of chickens fighting to eat them. They have all seemed fine, the only affect seems to be black poo . Of course, they only get a dozen or two each (probably) so I don't know what would happen if they ate hundreds - which they would do given the chance. I did watch that 'Grow Your Own Drugs' program and the chappie said that Elderberries were anti-viral. Nicola. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The Spencers Posted September 8, 2009 Share Posted September 8, 2009 I'm not 100% sure, but i seem to remember that elderberries are one of those things that germinate better once they've come out of the other end of a bird! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Patricia W Posted September 8, 2009 Share Posted September 8, 2009 In my experience, they root most easily from a cutting - just any softwood cutting - even a piece of stick - just like forsythia. Both are weeds around here! I've got my eye on a neighbours which has black leaves and pink flowers. Probably best in June/July but you could try now. Tricia Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
