Berrilicious

Plant Your Own Smoothie

Make a pie, tart, jams, parfait, fruit salad, juice, muffins, pancakes, popsicles, etc...No matter which berry you choose (or choose them all), you are sure to enjoy the fruits of your labor!  Growing your own couldn't get any better than berries.StrawberriesJune bearing strawberries give their biggest harvest in June (obviously), while everbearing bear the same amount of fruit but it is spread throughout the summer.  With so many varieties, there’s sure to be astrawberry that thrives in your space. Plant in early spring. Strawberries typically are grown in beds/rows directly into the ground. Now with all the different varieties you can also grow them in a containers like strawberry jars, window boxes and hanging baskets. Obtain plants from your favorite local gardencenter; they know which varieties do well in yourarea and where is best to plant them.. Space plants about 18" apart. Bury the roots, but not the center crown – Strawberries need lots of light andfresh air (do not overcrowd). Add mulch to retain moisture anddiscourage weeds. Strawberries multiply by sending out “runners” or long vine-like shoots, but are easy to maintain and keep within your designated planting area.Raspberries (and blackberries)Again, get healthy, vigorous plants from a localgarden center. Plant in early Spring, spaced about3 feet apart. Because raspberries send long canesupward as they grow, they will need support. Plantthem next to a fence or create a simple supportalongside the row with some stakes and wire.Feed raspberries and blackberries in the Springand Fall with a high-quality, organic plant food likeHolly-tone. Water at a rate of about an inch perweek and spread organic mulch three to fourinches deep around plants. Raspberries ripenSummer through Fall and once they get going,raspberries can produce fruit for years – maybe indefinitely. Again, full sun is a must.BlueberriesBesides being delicious, blueberries are just whatthe doctor ordered – they’re loaded with healthy antioxidants. Blueberries require soil that is very acidic. You can easily increase the acidity of your soil with safe, non-toxic Espoma Soil Acidifier. Blueberry plants come in high bush, low bush or rabbit eye varieties. Space them 6 to 15 feet apart, respectively. Plant in full sun. Set each plant slightly deeper than it was in its pot. Right after planting, spread a three-inch layer of organic mulch over the ground.Apply two inches of water weekly. Blueberries ripen mid to late Summer.  Blueberries set a better fruit when they are able to cross pollinate with another variety of blueberry.

Quick Care for your Berries

That covers the basics – but there is one more thing.Remember, you’re not the only one who likes berries. Youcan keep birds away by hanging shiny objects like foil stripsor old CDs nearby. When it comes to neighbors and family, you're on your own.  Talk to us about insects!  Caterpillars, beetles and borers love these berries.  We can help!.No matter which berry is your favorite, all ofthem like rich, well-drained, acidic soil (veryacidic for blueberries), full sun, organic mulchand about 2" of water per week. Even if youhaven’t decided which berry to grow yet,getting started is as easy as one-two-three.Four or  five...1. Select a growing area with full sun.2. Work the soil 8 to 10 inches deep and addin an organic compost. Especially if you have sandy or clay soil.4. Feed with a high-quality organic plant foodin the area around the root zone, such asEspoma Holly-tone®.                                                                                                                        5. Pick when ripe and bursting with flavor.