They are not very challenging plants and can easily be grown in home gardens.
There are countless varieties of berry plants to choose from and you can grow some amazing native varieties that are adaptable.
Growing berry plants in the garden rewards you in the form of bountiful produce in the harvest season.
You can easily turn your backyard into a profitable garden by growing and selling different types of berries.
However, to do so successfully you would have to get it right by taking care of your plants and making sure that all their basic requirements are met.
Some of the useful tips that should be considered while growing berry plants in the home garden are-
- Almost all varieties, be it Strawberries, Blueberries, Blackberries or Raspberries, require well-drained and rich soil to thrive.
If the soil is poor then you can improve it by adding organic matter or compost.
It is advisable to feed the plants with a good organic matter or fertilizer so that they get the essential nutrients. - Mulching around the plants is essential to suppress unwanted and nasty weeds that can cause harm to the plants by utilizing all the essential nutrients.
Organic mulch is the best option as it is known to enrich the soil over a period of time.
Do not let the mulch to decay and apply a fresh layer if it has started to decompose.
Moist and decayed mulch can act as a breeding ground for several bacteria, fungi and viruses. - Most of the berry plants are susceptible to a disease called Verticillium Wilt so avoid growing strawberries, raspberries and blackberries in areas that were recently used to grow Potatoes, Tomatoes, Eggplants and Peppers as these plants can potentially contaminate the soil.
Soil fumigation can help in getting rid of the disease-causing fungus.
You can also rotate crops and grow resistant varieties to improve the soil over a period of time. - Remove dead and decayed branches or stems as they can cause potential damage to the nearby plants by spreading the infection.
- There should be adequate spacing between the plants to allow proper air circulation.
They should be planted at least 20- 24 inches apart.
The spacing between two rows should ideally be 4-6 feet for proper air movement. - It is advisable to go in for disease-resistant varieties to minimize the risk of damage.