- 1). Research appropriate berries for your climate and decide when you want the plant to bear. Some will produce fruit in summer and others in spring and there are strawberries that are ever-bearing and will fruit all season. Berries should be planted as soon as soils are workable so make certain your selections are ordered or your local nursery will carry them in time.
- 2). Perform a soil test before you decide what berry you will plant and grow. Blueberries need an acidic soil whereas strawberries like a sweeter soil. If the soil test indicates that the pH is high the soil acidity is alkaline. Blueberries need soil to be in the pH range of 4.2 to 5.2 which is a low pH. If the soil is not acidic enough, add sulfur to lower the pH. Follow the directions on the package for the correct amount to work into the soil.
- 3). Till the soil to a depth of 12 to 18 inches and incorporate generous amounts of compost. Dig a trench that is 6 to 8 inches deep and fill it with water to test the drainage. Let it drain and fill it again. Check the trench in half an hour. If it is still full, add 4 inches of coarse sand to the planting area to increase the tilth and texture of the soil, and loosen it for good drainage.
- 4). Rake the bed clear of weeds, roots, rocks and other debris. Use the rake to mound up hills for the berry plants. This will allow the soil to remain warm and enhance drainage. Run lengths of black plastic between the hills to enhance solar energy absorption and keep weeds at bay. Place drip hoses along the edges of the berry hills. This will deliver slow, consistent water that the plants can take up before it runs off.
- 5). Dig a hole that is as deep as, but several inches wider than, the berry plant. Remove the plant from the nursery pot or bag. If it is bare root, build a hill of soil in the bottom of the hole to support the roots. Back fill around the plant, pressing soil in around the roots to reduce air pockets. Water the soil after planting until puddles form to compact soil.
- 6). Erect stakes 3 to 5 inches away from young raspberry or blackberry canes. Blueberries and strawberries do not need extra support. Cut back the cane type berries to one stem that is 8 to 12 inches tall. Over the season begin to train the canes to the stakes. Fertilize with nitrogen fertilizer in the spring. Blueberries require ammonium sulfate and the other berries need ammonium nitrate. Apply it at the rate per plant that the label indicates is appropriate and water in immediately.
- 7). Prune back raspberries and blackberries in early spring to just a few strong canes. Keep them trained to supports. Strawberries need mulching over the winter. Blueberries should be pruned in early spring to invite air circulation and remove dead wood. Remove the oldest canes and allow only the healthiest young canes to grow each year.
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