The Best Climate for Raspberries & Blueberries

Raspberries

• In the wild, raspberries thrive in cool climates with little rainfall. According to "Organic Gardening" magazine, most raspberries grow well in USDA zones 3 through 9. However, some cultivars, such as Dorman Red, Southland and Bababerry are suited to warmer climates and can be grown in southern regions. For very cold climates, choose extra-hardy cultivars like Nordic, Nova and Boyne. The 'Heritage' cultivar is also appropriate for home garden use in cold climates.

Blueberries

• Blueberries and raspberries have similar climate preferences. In their native habitat, blueberries also prefer cool climates. According to John Seymour's, "The New Self-Sufficient Gardener," wild blueberries need at least 100 nights of temperatures at around 40 degrees Fahrenheit in order to grow successfully. Unlike raspberries, blueberries grow well in regions that receive high amounts of rainfall. Although Lowbush cultivars usually require cold climates, Rabbiteye and Highbush blueberry cultivars tolerate warmer climates with fewer chilly evenings. Low-chill blueberry varieties include Aliceblue, Beckyblue, Delight, Avonblue and Southmoon.

Other Growing Tips: Raspberries

• Once you've chosen the best raspberry cultivar for your climate region, employ good gardening practices to avoid problems. Don't plant raspberries in soil sites that have been used for bramble berries, tomatoes, potatoes, peppers, eggplants or roses, which are susceptible to the same diseases as raspberries. Raspberries need full sun and well-drained soil, and they also need to be protected from wind. Apply a layer of organic matter to your soil site to increase its fertility and improve drainage.

Other Growing Tips: Blueberries

• Blueberries require very acidic soil conditions, so test your soil pH before planting.
  If pH levels are lower than 5.5, apply a soil amendment like peat moss or soil sulfur to acidify the site. Because blueberry roots do not have root hairs, which increase water absorption rates, the plants need to be watered regularly and do well in soils with a high water table. Although blueberries grow well in cold climates, they do need full sunlight.