Ruth Nakamura Ruth Nakamura · December 15, 2025
Mulberry leaf tea was the last thing I expected to become a daily ritual, but after reading the traditional use history and then trying a properly brewed cup, I understood immediately why this preparation has been part of East Asian wellness practices for centuries. It’s not just about the flavor — the functional properties are … Read more
Ruth Nakamura · December 13, 2025
I missed the peak harvest window my first two years because I didn’t understand that mulberry ripening isn’t a date — it’s a window that shifts with the weather, varies by variety, and closes faster than you’d expect. Now I check the tree every two days during the season and I’ve never lost a batch … Read more
Ruth Nakamura · December 11, 2025
When a homeowner calls me about a mulberry tree that’s looking off — yellowing leaves, poor fruit set, unusual growth patterns — my first step is always a systematic inspection rather than a spray. Most of the problems I see are either nutrient-related, watering-related, or caused by a specific pest that has a specific, targeted … Read more
Ruth Nakamura · December 9, 2025
When you’re processing large harvests on a homestead schedule, efficiency matters as much as technique. I’ve batch-processed over forty pounds of mulberries in a single weekend using a system that keeps the kitchen from descending into chaos — and produces multiple products simultaneously rather than making one thing at a time. But here’s what I … Read more
Ruth Nakamura · December 7, 2025
When the Leaves Start Whispering: Recognizing Spider Mite Damage Early What I actually use: The tool that catches mite infestations before they spread across your tree — A quality magnifying loupe on Amazon → That afternoon in my grandmother’s backyard taught me something crucial. Mulberry trees are remarkably resilient — but that resilience can fool … Read more
Ruth Nakamura · December 5, 2025
Sawdust-like debris piling up at the base of a branch is easy to dismiss as garden mess — until you notice it’s coming from a small, round hole in the bark itself, and the branch above it is wilting despite otherwise healthy foliage. That combination is the signature of one of the most destructive pests … Read more
Ruth Nakamura · December 3, 2025
Understanding Mulberry Trees in Your Garden What I actually use: The netting that lets me harvest mulberries without deer stripping the trees — Feitore Deer Fence Netting, 7 x 100 Feet Anti Bird Deer on Amazon → Mulberry trees offer gardeners a unique combination of beauty, fruit production, and wildlife attraction. However, choosing the right … Read more
Ruth Nakamura · November 29, 2025
Understanding Deer Damage to Mulberry Trees If you’ve invested time and care into growing mulberry trees, nothing is more frustrating than watching deer strip the foliage bare overnight. Deer damage can severely stunt tree growth, reduce fruit production, and in extreme cases, kill young trees entirely. I’ve dealt with this problem myself, and I’ve learned … Read more
Ruth Nakamura · November 27, 2025
Mulberries vs. Blackberries, Raspberries, and Figs: How They Actually Compare Mulberries get compared to blackberries constantly — they’re roughly the same size, shape, and color, so it’s an easy mistake to make from across the yard. But once you’ve eaten both side by side, the similarities mostly stop at appearance. Here’s how mulberries actually stack … Read more
Ruth Nakamura · November 26, 2025
The Hidden Gem of Summer Foraging Summer brings an abundance of fresh fruit. You walk down a city street or a country lane. Suddenly, you spot dark purple stains on the pavement. You look up to see a tree laden with berry-like clusters. Many people mistake these for blackberries. However, they are likely discovering the … Read more
