Berry Planting Guide

Strawberries

• Strawberries are one of the easiest and most popular fruits for home gardeners to grow. Chose a spot with full sun, with well-draining, sandy loam with a pH from 6.5 to 6.8. Weed the site prior to planting and during the growing season and amend the soil with organic matter. Plant in the spring, when the soil is dry enough or in autumn. Plant strawberries 12 to 18 inches in the row, with 3 to 4 feet between rows with roots straight down. Water after planting and maintain good moisture throughout the season. Avoid planting strawberries in soils where strawberries, raspberries, potatoes, tomatoes, eggplants or peppers have been previously planted. Strawberries are hardy in USDA zones 5 to 8.

Blueberries

• Blueberries, a tasty superfood mainly native to North America, are fairly easy to grow and are hardy in zones 3 to 8. A well-prepared and selected site is important, as blueberry bushes need acid soil (pH between 4.5 and 4.8) with a high- retention and sunny locale. Space blueberries 4 to 5 feet apart in the row and 8 to 12 feet between rows. Don't plant too deeply as they have a shallow, fibrous root system. They require frequent watering and fertilization after about a month after planting. Mulch with wood chips for weed control, in addition to manual weeding. Plant at least two varieties for cross-pollination.

Brambles

• Brambles, which include raspberries and blackberries, have the same basic requirements as strawberries, such as well-drained soil, full sun and pH. Fertilize soil before planting. Space red and yellow raspberries 18 to 24 inches apart, black raspberries 20 to 24 inches and 3 to 4 feet for blackberries. Rows should be spaced at 8 to 12 feet. Soak in water a couple hours prior to planting (and while planting) and water copiously after planting and maintain moisture until established. Mulching during establishment helps control weeds in addition to manual weeding, but be careful of the raspberry's shallow root systems. Don't plant raspberries where strawberries, raspberries, potatoes, tomatoes, eggplants or peppers have been planted before. There are brambles suitable for growing in zones 3 through 11.

Ribes

• Ribes, including currants and gooseberries, are small fruits ideal for zones 3 to 7. Plant in well-drained soil with at least 2 percent organic matter and a pH between 6.0 to 6.5 in a sunny location avoiding southern exposure. Space 3 to 4 feet within the row and 6 feet between rows. Maintain adequate moisture levels following planting. Use mulch to help keep down weeds. Black currants will do better with two or more varieties for cross-pollination.