Growing berries in your backyard is simple when you have full sun and good soil. Unlike apples and pears that grow on mature trees, you can harvest backyard fruit crops sooner when you grow berries.
To grow berries in your backyard, youll need 6 to 8 hours of sunlight and healthy, well-draining soil.
Learn more about growing strawberries, blueberries, blackberries and raspberries. This guide highlights how to choose the best berry varieties for your garden and provides tips to make your berry growing a success.
Hey there fellow gardeners! I’ve been growing berries for over 10 years now and let me tell you – timing is everything when it comes to planting these sweet treats. Whether you’re dreaming of fresh strawberries, blueberries, or blackberries, I’m gonna share all my tips on the perfect time to get those berry bushes in the ground.
Best Times to Plant Berry Bushes
Spring Planting (Recommended for Most Regions)
- Plant in early spring after the last frost
- Soil temperature should be at least 45-50°F
- Usually falls between March and May depending on your climate
- Container-grown plants can go in a few weeks earlier than bare-root
Fall Planting (Alternative Option)
- Plant from late September through November
- Gives plants time to establish roots before winter dormancy
- May produce smaller first-year crop
- Works better in warmer regions
Pro tip I’ve found that spring-planted berries tend to establish better in colder areas, while fall planting works great if you live somewhere with mild winters
Planting Guide by Berry Type
Blueberries
- Best planted in early spring in cold climates
- Can be planted in late fall in warmer areas
- Need acidic soil (pH 4.5-5.5)
- Space plants 3-6 feet apart
- Require cross-pollination – plant at least two varieties
Blackberries
- Plant in late spring after severe frost danger passes
- Space plants 3 feet apart
- Plant 1/2 to 1 inch deep
- Choose sunny location
- Both thorny and thornless varieties available
Raspberries
- Early spring planting recommended
- Space rows 6-12 feet apart
- Need good air circulation
- Shallow root system – keep well mulched
- Will produce for about 10 years
Strawberries
- Plant in early spring
- Space 12-15 inches apart
- Short-lived plants (1-3 years)
- Can be grown in raised beds or containers
- Choose between June-bearing or everbearing varieties
Site Selection & Preparation
Sunlight Requirements
- Most berries need 6-8 hours of full sun daily
- Morning sun is preferable to afternoon sun
- Avoid planting near large trees that create shade
Soil Preparation
- Test soil pH before planting
- Add organic matter like compost
- Ensure good drainage
- Remove all weeds from planting area
- Consider raised beds for better control
Spacing Chart
| Berry Type | Plant Spacing | Row Spacing |
|---|---|---|
| Strawberries | 12-15 inches | 3-4 feet |
| Raspberries | 2-3 feet | 6-12 feet |
| Blackberries | 3 feet | 6-8 feet |
| Blueberries | 3-6 feet | 8-10 feet |
Care After Planting
Watering
- Keep soil consistently moist but not waterlogged
- Water deeply once or twice weekly
- Apply 2-4 inches of mulch to retain moisture
Fertilizing
- Apply balanced organic fertilizer in early spring
- Avoid high-nitrogen fertilizers
- Give extra feeding during fruiting
- Use acidic fertilizers for blueberries
Pruning
- Remove dead or damaged canes
- Thin out overcrowded areas
- Timing varies by berry type
- Keep good air circulation
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Planting in poorly drained soil
- Ignoring soil pH requirements
- Overcrowding plants
- Insufficient sunlight
- Improper watering
Planning Your Berry Patch
We’ve found that thinking ahead really pays off when planning your berry garden Consider
- How many plants you’ll need for your household
- Different harvest times for continuous production
- Space requirements as plants mature
- Cross-pollination needs
- Long-term maintenance requirements
My Personal Experience
I remember my first attempt at growing berries – I planted everything way too close together! Now I know better and give each plant plenty of room to grow. Trust me, it’s worth taking the time to plan properly and plant at the right time of year.
Whether you’re planting in spring or fall, success with berry bushes comes down to timing and proper preparation. Start with healthy plants, give them the right growing conditions, and you’ll be rewarded with years of delicious homegrown berries.
Got questions about planting your berry bushes? Drop them in the comments below – I’d love to help you get started on your berry-growing journey!
Plant Blueberry Shrubs in Spring or Fall
Versatile blueberries perform well in both landscapes and containers. Choose from three types of blueberry bushes: low-growing bushes, highbush varieties and rabbit-eye blueberries, the kind bred for success in the South.
Because blueberries are not self-pollinating, you will need to plant more than one variety in your garden. In fact, with some research, you can select early, middle and late varieties that will produce successively from late spring until summer’s end.
Grow Strawberries in Beds or Containers
There are three types of strawberries: ever-bearing, day-neutral and June-bearing. In the Garden Center, look for ever-bearing varieties that perform well in spring, summer and fall. Everbearing varieties grow best in zones 4 to 8. Everbearing strawberry plants do not send out many runners and are ideal for patios and containers.
Meanwhile, June-bearing strawberries produce all at once in early summer. June-bearing strawberries are the top choice for flavor and size, perfect for pies and dipping in chocolate, or for eating straight from the garden, warmed in the early summer sun.
Day-neutral strawberries are improved varieties of everbearing strawberries. They produce fruit throughout the growing season. Because they’re everbearing, day-neutral varieties send out few runners. Use day-neutral varieties where space is limited, but keep in mind the fruits are usually smaller than June-bearers.
Strawberries are sturdy plants that thrive in prepared beds or rows, or as edible edgings in a foodscape. You can even let them sprawl over the top of a wall. The June-bearing varieties make lovely hanging baskets, with the runners draping over the sides. Or fill a terra cotta strawberry jar with its namesake fruit for a vertical display.
As soon as the ground warms in spring, you can plant strawberries. If the ground is wet, wait for it to dry. Ideal soil for strawberries is well-draining and slightly acidic, with a pH between 5.5 to 6.8. If you have clay or sandy soil, growing in containers or raised beds may be the best solution to growing an abundant strawberry garden.
How to Plant Blackberry Bushes and Complete SETUP!
FAQ
How do you plant blackberries in spring?
In late spring after the last severe frost, prepare the garden in a full sun location for planting cuttings or bare-root plants. Plant blackberries a half-inch to an inch deep in the soil, and space them with one plant every three feet. Spring is a good time to plant elderberry trees, too.
Should you plant berries in the fall?
Planting in the fall allows plants to become established before going dormant, making them better prepared for spring leaf production and a bountiful crop. So set your sights on next year’s smoothies, pies, and fruit salads, and dive into fall berry planting. What Types of Berries Do You Like to Eat? How Tall and Wide Are the Plants Going to Get?
When is a good time to plant berry bushes?
Fall is another suitable planting time in many regions for berry bushes. With a sunny, enriched planting site and attentive care, your berry patch will thrive and bear bushels of juicy berries.
When should you plant blackberries?
Growing your own fruiting shrubs is easy; it’s best to plant blackberries during the dormant season in early spring, but it’s possible to plant them in the fall if you live in a warmer area. However you plant them, these bushes reward you with abundant berries at the end of the blackberries growing season.
When should you plant blueberries?
Plus, blueberries are one of nature’s superfoods, crammed with essential nutrients, minerals, and health-boosting polyphenols. Blueberries can be planted in spring or also in late fall in all but the coldest regions. In Zones 5 and below, it’s best to wait until early to mid-spring to plant. If available, 1- to 3-year-old plants are a good choice.
Can blueberry bushes be planted in the fall?
Whether you have grown your blueberry plants from seed or bought blueberry bushes, you can plant blueberries in the fall or spring. Just make sure there is no danger of frost.