Now that the warmer weather is consistently here, it's an excellent time to establish or expand your fruit garden by planting out strawberries and other delicious fruit bushes. Imagine fresh berries picked straight from your garden! Here’s a guide to getting them off to the best start:
Step 1: Prepare the planting area.
- Strawberries: Choose a sunny spot with well-drained, slightly acidic soil. Amend the soil with compost or well-rotted manure to improve fertility. For matted row systems, space rows about 3-4 feet apart and plants 18-24 inches apart within the row. For hill systems, space plants about 12 inches apart in all directions.
- Fruit Bushes (e.g., Blueberries, Raspberries, Currants): Each type has slightly different needs, so research your specific bushes. Generally, they prefer sunny to partially shaded locations with well-drained soil. Amend the soil with organic matter as needed. Space them according to their mature size, typically 3-6 feet apart.
Step 2: Plant your fruit.
- Strawberries: Dig holes deep and wide enough to accommodate the root ball without bending the roots. Ensure the crown (the central part where leaves emerge) is level with the soil surface – planting too deep can cause rot, and too shallow can lead to drying out. Water thoroughly after planting.
- Fruit Bushes: Dig a hole twice as wide and just as deep as the root ball. Gently tease out any circling roots. Place the bush in the hole, ensuring the top of the root ball is level with the surrounding soil. Backfill with soil, firming gently, and water well. For bare-root bushes, look for the old soil mark on the stem and plant to that depth.
Initial care and support:
- Watering: Keep newly planted strawberries and fruit bushes consistently watered, especially during dry periods, to help them establish strong root systems.
- Mulching: Apply a layer of organic mulch around the plants to help retain moisture, suppress weeds, and keep the soil cool.
- Support (for some bushes): Some fruit bushes, like raspberries, may benefit from support systems like posts and wires, especially as they mature and bear fruit. Install these early on.
- Comfort while you plant: Spending time preparing beds and carefully planting your fruit requires getting close to the ground. Our comfortable and flexible gardening boots will allow you to move easily and protect your feet from damp soil and uneven surfaces.
Looking Forward to the Harvest.
With proper planting and initial care, your strawberries and fruit bushes will establish themselves and reward you with delicious homegrown fruit in the coming seasons. Enjoy the process of nurturing your own berry patch!