The Berry Best – Everything You Need to Know About Growing Berries

Fresh berries, ripe for the picking, are some of the best reasons to garden in the summer. Berries are one of our favorite edible plants to grow, and getting started is pretty simple as well. There are four main berry varieties that we carry at our Garden Centers. Each one has its own individual needs and of course, fabulous flavor. 

Strawberries – 

As one of Hampton Roads’ most popular berries, the strawberry is one you definitely want to have in your edible garden. Plant your strawberries in well-draining soil and in full sunlight. When watering, do so deeply, but allow plants to dry slightly between watering. Mulch lightly during spring, summer, and fall to help keep the soil cool and to help control weeds. Mulching with pine straw is also a popular choice for strawberries when planting in containers. 

There are usually two different types of strawberries to choose from, June-bearing and ever-bearing. June-bearing varieties provide strawberries from late spring to early summer, while ever-bearing can provide berries from early summer into fall. Make sure to chat with one of our Green Team members about what strawberry choices would be best for your garden. 

Raspberries – 

These soft and luxurious berries like full sun, however, they will tolerate some shade. Plant in acidic composted soil and keep the soil moist, especially during the fruiting season. This is during the late spring and summer in the Hampton Roads area. Prune your raspberry plants after fruiting, and fertilize regularly using a high-quality plant food for higher yield the next season. 

Blueberries – 

Blueberry shrubs like acidic, richly composted soil to produce an abundance of berries. Plant these in full sun to part shade and water regularly to maintain plant health and avoid leaf and flower drop. Prune lightly during the first 2-3 years to maintain the shape of your blueberry shrub and promote new growth throughout the season.
 

Blackberries – 

When establishing blackberries, be sure to plant them in full sun with well-draining soil. Mulch this berry bush often to help retain moisture as well as keep the roots warm in the winters and cool in the summers. After the fruit has been harvested, you can then prune back your blackberry bush to prepare for the next season. 

PRO-TIP: You can tell that blackberries are ripe when they go from a glossy finish to a dull one, this process usually takes a few days after it has reached its darkest color. 

If you want to learn even more about berries, visit our stores to meet our Green Team experts and have a chat! See our sales page to keep up to date on what’s new and check out the Garden Guru and his webinars with new plants, products, and expert planting advice. To keep inspired and grow with us, follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok to dig into the joys of gardening!