Berries are a delicious treat that can be used in any number of different dishes or for simply snacking on, so they are a perfect addition to any garden. Do you want to grow berries in your own backyard? Do you know how to get started? It may not be as difficult as you think. Let’s go through everything you need to know about growing berries below.
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Setting up Your Garden for Berries
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First, you should make sure that your garden is set up for the best possible growing experience. While berries are small, the plants that produce fruit can be very big. So, make sure you have enough room for your plants to be properly spaced apart. Berry plants need plenty of sunlight, so make sure where you choose to plant is accessible to the full sun.
Do your research, and consider all aspects of your garden set up so that you can optimize the success of your new berry plants. From early summer to early spring, you want your plants to be set up as fast as possible.
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Consider Your Plants
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Different types of berry plants will have different requirements for their growing needs, so ensure you do your research and know exactly what each type of berry plant requires to grow successfully.
Blueberry bushes, for example, require acidic soil to grow well. You should also do your best to fertilize your blueberry plants at least once or twice a year. Organic matter makes for the best fertilizer for these plants.
Raspberries and blackberries, on the other hand, are far less particular and can grow basically anywhere. Keep up your pruning, and your raspberries and blackberries will be flourishing all spring long. However, make sure you keep these plants away from wild brambles, which can cause problems.
Strawberries can be grown in containers, which makes them particularly convenient for people who may have less space to grow throughout the growing season.
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Mix and Match Your Plants
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Growing different types of berries at the same time can increase their quality. For example, you can grow two different varieties of blueberries for cross-pollination and maximum fruit growth. Try picking up blue crop blueberries and duke blueberries for delicious fruit all season long. You should also look for plant varieties that can survive colder weather. The weather can change on a dime, and you don’t want a cold snap to ruin all of your hard work.
Some berries don’t require cross-pollination, but you can still pick varieties that work best for your garden. If you’re trying to pick the perfect raspberries, look into heritage raspberries that you can keep in your freezer long after the weather changes.
You will have to do plenty of maintenance, however, no matter what types of plants you choose. Dead plants and debris can prevent your plants from growing properly and cause damage to them. And, you will need to keep a lookout to prevent weeds!
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Growing Berries: Getting Started
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Growing berries isn’t nearly as difficult as it may seem at first glance! As long as you are consistent and know what you’re doing, you will never run short of berries in your garden.
Visit your nearest Urban Roots Garden Market for more information.
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Happy gardening!
