Young berry plants need consistent attention, and even established berry plants still benefit from regular care. Provide proper watering and fertilizing to get the most out of your plantings.
Aside from feeding and watering, proper pruning is important – consult a reliable resource or your local nursery to find out more.
Watering recommendations are somewhat variable – heavy native soils may need less frequent watering, plants in containers or raised beds may need more.
- Strawberries are either June bearing or Ever-bearing. June bearing varieties should get a hefty dose of organic fertilizer shortly after they finish producing, usually mid-July. Ever-bearing varieties need smaller doses but more frequently, once a month starting in March and continuing through August. All strawberries require regular watering – a thorough watering 2-3 times per week through the summer.
- Blueberries should be fed early, you could still get one last feeding in if you don’t think you’re quite up to date on it. Fertilize well in three doses: April, May, and June. Use acidifying fertilizers like rhododendron or specialty blueberry foods. Water quite heavily, 2-3 times per week.
- Raspberries are done with fertilizing for the year, feed them during the main new-growth push in May or early June. Water consistently, a thorough watering 2-3 times per week all summer long.
- Trailing blackberries should be fed in April and in late June – there’s still time to get an effective fertilizing in if you are behind. It is important to fertilize in a wider area around the plants, not just up against the crown – blackberry roots are wide. Water consistently for best production all summer long, not just during harvest season, a slow deep soak 1- 2 times per week.
Berry Problems and Pests
We like berries, and so do many other critters.
Deer can be a problem, particularly on blueberry and strawberry. Deer repellents are reasonably effective, but not as good as a fence.
Birds are almost always a problem; deter them with flash tape, or protect your crop with bird netting. Also keep an eye out for squirrels, gophers, and voles.
Each of the berry crops has its own lineup of other pests and diseases. Neem can be a useful pesticide to keep on hand, because it has applications for mite control, insects, and even some disease suppression. If you are seeing suspicious symptoms on any of your berry plants, bring samples to your local garden center for diagnosis and treatment recommendations.
Berries are an integral part of summer, and a little attention can keep your crops happy and productive for years to come.