{"id":15509,"date":"2026-02-05T13:38:37","date_gmt":"2026-02-05T18:38:37","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/wwwcp.umes.edu\/sans\/?p=15509"},"modified":"2026-02-05T14:24:21","modified_gmt":"2026-02-05T19:24:21","slug":"learn-how-to-grow-elderberry-explore-markets-for-diy-products","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/wwwcp.umes.edu\/sans\/connections\/learn-how-to-grow-elderberry-explore-markets-for-diy-products\/","title":{"rendered":"Learn how to grow elderberry, explore markets for DIY products"},"content":{"rendered":"
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\"Henriette<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n

Elderberries are native to eastern states and the Delmarva Peninsula. They are known for their flavor in jams, wines and syrups, in addition to teas and gummies for their high antioxidant value and potential immune support.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

UMES Extension<\/a> is offering a workshop Feb. 28<\/strong> to teach interested growers how to cultivate the woody plant, along with harvesting and processing the berries for value-added products. The how-to class will be held from 9 a.m.-noon at the UMES Research, Extension and Teaching Farm.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cThe goal of the class is to provide research-based information to participants who are considering growing elderberry commercially or as backyard growers,\u201d said Henriette den Ouden<\/strong> (pictured at left)<\/em>, an agent associate with UMES\u2019 Specialty Herb Program.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Den Ouden will discuss elderberry cultivars planted on the UMES research farm in the past six years, such as Wyldewood and Bob Gordon, sharing tips for growing, information on diseases and pest management strategies.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cThose who attend will take home cuttings to transplant to get them started,\u201d she said. \u201cWe\u2019ll also take a look at costs associated with growing the perennial crop, in addition to marketability and profitability.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Den Ouden holds membership in the American Botanical Council and American Herbalists Guild. She completed a master\u2019s in herbal medicine from the Maryland University of Integrative Health (formerly the Tai Sophia Institute) in Laurel, Maryland.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The workshop is $10 per person and pre-registration is required HERE<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Gail Stephens, agricultural communications and media associate, University of Maryland Eastern Shore, School of Agricultural and Natural Sciences, UMES Extension, <\/em>gcstephens@umes.edu<\/em><\/a>., 410-621-3850.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Photos by Todd Dudek, agricultural communications, University of Maryland Eastern Shore, School of Agricultural and Natural Sciences, UMES Extension, tdudek@umes.edu<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Delicate<\/figure>
Delicate white flowers are on a flowering head of elderberry growing on a bush at UMES’ Research, Extension and Teaching Farm.<\/figcaption><\/div><\/div>
\"A<\/figure>
Light green elberberries grow on a bush at UMES’ Research, Extension and Teaching Farm.<\/figcaption><\/div><\/div>
\"A<\/figure>
A head of ripe dark blackish purple elderberries grow on a woody bush at UMES’ Research, Extension and Teaching Farm.<\/figcaption><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>