So, you love berries, and you’re tired of paying good money to get them from Walmart. At the same time, you have a yard or an open space at home with no apparent use.
Why not grow your own berries at home?
Growing “berries” is generally similar with a few differences between the berry type you choose. As such, the majority of the explanation will be under the “How to Grow Raspberries” section.
The following sections won’t require much reading time, as they require more or less the same planting procedures. We will, however, highlight the differences.
How to Grow Raspberries
To properly grow your own raspberries, follow these steps:
Step 1: Choose Varieties
Decide which raspberry varieties you want to grow based on your climate and preferred harvest times. For example, summer-bearing varieties produce one crop per year in summer.
On the other hand, ever-bearing types have an early crop in summer and another in fall, but they often require more work, time, and dedication.
You should also pay attention to cold-hardiness ratings for your region.
Step 2: Select a Planting Site
Raspberries need a full sun, which means at least six hours of direct sunlight every day. However, in addition to light requirements, raspberries also require a well-draining, fertile soil that has a slightly acidic pH (we’re talking around 6.0-6.5).
If your backyard/garden soil doesn’t have that, raised beds can be an excellent method to ensure good drainage.
Just don’t forget to amend the soil with compost or aged manure before planting to provide enough minerals for the plant.
Step 3: Plant the Raspberry Canes
In early spring, plant bare-root raspberry canes while they are still dormant. Dig a trench that is several inches deep.
Space red raspberry canes 2-3 feet apart, and plant black or purple varieties 3-4 feet apart. Cover all but the top 4-6 inches of cane with soil, as this buried portion will send up new canes.
Step 4: Install Supports
Raspberries are vine-like canes that require trellising or other supports. Secure a durable trellis, stakes, or wires in place at planting time so the developing canes have support from the start.
Step 5: Water. Water. Water
Raspberries are water monsters. You must keep the soil consistently moist by providing 1-2 inches of water per week during the growing season using drip irrigation or soakers at the base of plants.
When the canes are flowering and developing into fruits, that’s your cue to double the amount of water you provide to prevent moisture stress.
Step 6 (Optional): Mulch with Acidic Materials
If you’re struggling to maintain the pH of your soil, apply a 2-4 inch layer of pine needles, bark chips, or other acidic organic mulch after planting to maintain soil acidity and retain moisture.
How to Grow Strawberries
Strawberries are fan favorites; here’s how you can grow yours at home:
Step 1: Choose Varieties
Once again, decide which type of strawberries you want.
Choose from the June-bearing (one crop per year), ever-bearing (crops in early summer and fall), or day-neutral (fruits regardless of day length).
Step 2: Prepare a Raised Bed
Strawberries need full sun exposure of at least 6-8 hours per day.
As such, it’s better to build a raised bed no wider than four feet using a soil mix enriched with compost or aged manure to ensure good drainage and aeration.
Step 3: Plant the Strawberries
In early spring, plant so that the crown (where stems meet roots) is at soil level – not too deep or shallow.
Space the plants 12-15 inches apart in rows 2-3 feet apart to prevent roots from bounding to each other and competing over water and minerals.
Step 4: They Still Love Water
Keep strawberries consistently moist by watering about one inch per week.
Once again, double that when the weather is too hot or when you start to see flowers, as this is the most water-demanding phase. Mulching is also optional here, but always preferable.
How to Grow Blueberries
Still with us? We’re almost done. We only have blueberries left.
Step 1: Choose Varieties
Once again, you should choose. However, we recommend choosing more than one here. Choose 2-3 blueberry varieties for best cross-pollination and higher yields.
Consider types suited to your climate – northern highbush, southern highbush, or lowbush.
Step 2: Prepare an Acidic Soil
You’ll almost always need a raised garden bed for this one, as you’ll require considerably acidic soil with a pH between 4.0 and 5.5.
Use peat moss, sulfur, or other acidifying agents to reach the required soil acidity level.
Step 3: Planting
In early spring (once again), plant the blueberry bushes 4-5 feet apart with the crown just as you would with the previous berries.
Step 4: Watering
1-2 inches of water every week should do it. Increase the frequency on hot days, and you’re good to go.
Growing up with a mom who filled her home (inside and out) with all sorts of plants, Lisa got her start in gardening at a young age. Living now on her own with a home and yard full of plants (including an indoor greenhouse), she shares all the gardening tips she’s gained over the years.