Are you longing for fresh, homegrown fruits right at your doorstep? According to the 2021 Garden Trends Report by Garden Media Group, the concept of victory gardens has gained popularity due to the increase in home cooking. In fact, 31 percent of people are interested in growing fruits in their own backyard, with berries topping the list. If you’re an Illinois gardener, here are some tips for successfully growing strawberries and blueberries.
Growing Strawberries – A Sweet Treat
Strawberries can easily be grown in containers or raised beds, making them a versatile choice for any garden. It’s important to provide consistent watering, especially for container-grown or raised bed strawberries, as their harvest can be compromised otherwise. Unlike other plants, strawberries have shallow roots, so the depth of the pot doesn’t matter much. To ensure the best results, fertilize your container strawberries every three to four weeks.
For day-neutral strawberries, which produce smaller amounts of berries, you can plant them three inches apart. These plants will beautifully spill over the sides of the container, creating a delightful display. Optimal soil conditions involve using two parts peat and one part perlite. If you happen to know someone with a strawberry patch, they might be able to offer you some off-shoots during their renovation process. Plant these daughter plants in containers and treat them as annuals. Tristar and Tribute cultivars are recommended for their good disease resistance and medium-sized berries.
On the other hand, June-bearing strawberries are the most common variety, offering large plump berries for two to three weeks in late spring. Before planting bare root bundles in a raised bed, amend the soil with organic matter to provide optimal conditions. March or April is the ideal time for planting, and make sure not to cover the crown. The matted-row planting method works best for these strawberries. Initially, leave 24 inches between plants. After four weeks, press down the runners (daughter plants) to create a box-like structure around the mother plant. Remove all remaining runners and flowers during the first year to encourage a larger crop in the second year. Fertilize in early spring. Popular June-bearing cultivars for Illinois include ‘Earligro,’ ‘Delmarvel,’ and ‘Allstar’.
Blueberries – A Vibrant Delight
Blueberries require acidic soil to thrive and produce luscious fruits. A mix of one part sphagnum peat moss and one part shredded pine bark will create the perfect acidic soil for them. Just like strawberries, blueberries have shallow roots, so a 10-15 gallon container will be ample for their growth.
For Illinois gardeners, ‘Northland’ or ‘Patriot’ blueberry varieties are recommended due to their cold hardiness. These varieties grow to a height of four to six feet. For those limited on space, ‘Top Hat’ is an excellent choice. It reaches a height of two to three feet and performs exceptionally well in containers. If you’re looking for something different, the ‘Bushel and Berry’ series offers a range of cultivars described as patio perfect. While they grow shorter, they may have some cold hardiness issues. For the hardiest options in the series, consider ‘Blueberry Buckle’ and ‘Perpetua Blueberry’.
Regardless of the variety you choose, it’s important to plan for the winter season. Blueberries, even though they are cold-hardy, tend to have exposed roots, making them vulnerable to freezing temperatures. To protect them, move your containers to the garage during winter.
With these tips, you can enjoy a bountiful harvest of delicious strawberries and blueberries right in your own backyard. Happy gardening!
