Week of 01/13/2022 Planting Berries
I know it seems early, but now is the time to start thinking about planting berries! Cane berries such as raspberries and blackberries can be planted between February and May. Blueberries can be planted anytime March to May. For strawberries you should wait until after the last frost in April or May. So NOW is a great time to start thinking about what you want to plant, where it is going to go and making sure you map out all the space you need properly. Taking the time now to plan your space, measure and even do a little prep work will make the process of planting much easier when you are ready to go.
When you have identified where your berries will go, the next step is to prep the area. Make sure the ground is weed free. Work the composted soil to a depth of 6”. Mark out the rows with the cane berries spaced 2 feet apart and rows wide enough for a tiller. For June bearing strawberry plants, keep them 12” apart and the rows should be 3-4 feet apart. Everbearing strawberry plants can be planted 6”-10” apart with a 2’ wide row between them. Blueberry plants should be 6 feet apart.
When planting use a 0-18-0 fertilizer to stimulate root development. Bone meal and blood meal compliment each other nicely and help with nitrogen supplementation.
Late fall is ideal but in colder areas, it is best wait to plant your Berry Bushes until early spring, once the threat of frost has completely passed.
Here are a few “Pro Tips”:
Most Berry Bushes prefer full sun (6 to 8 hours per day) and well-drained soil.
Many Berry Bushes are self-pollinating but can cross-pollinate with other bushes for larger bounties!
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