When is the Best Time to Plan for Berries?

It is summer…which means berry season is officially here! 🍓🫐

If you have kids, you already know that their berry habit can feel like it’s funded by a second mortgage. Growing your own is one of the easiest ways to save money and keep everyone happy.

Berry picking is also a perfect excuse to get kids outside instead of in front of a screen. (No charging required.)

And with berries consistently ranking among the most heavily sprayed produce, growing your own means fresher fruit and more peace of mind.

What’s the catch?: The best berry harvests start with planning ahead.

Our Top 5 Tips for Growing Great Berries

☀️ 1. Give Them Plenty of Sun

Berries are fruit-producing perennials, and they love sunshine. The more sun they get, the healthier the plants and the bigger the harvest. If you’re not sure where they will thrive, we can help you choose the perfect spot.

🌱 2. Pick the Right Location

Not every berry belongs in the vegetable garden.

• Raspberries and blackberries spread enthusiastically (they have never met a boundary they liked) and are usually happier outside the main garden.
• Strawberries fit well in vegetable beds but will need protection from hungry visitors.

🐦 3. Protect Your Harvest

If you plant blueberries or strawberries without protection, you’re essentially opening a buffet for birds, chipmunks, and squirrels.

A sturdy enclosure made with cedar and wire fencing works far better than plastic netting, which wildlife can chew through surprisingly quickly. We build custom cedar berry enclosures that keep the harvest where it belongs—with you.

📅 4. Plan Ahead

Here’s the secret: the best time to think about berries is before berry season.

Because berries are perennials, they take a couple of seasons to really hit their stride. Early spring is the ideal planting time, so fall is the perfect time to build enclosures, prepare the site, and make a plan. Then you will be ready to plant as soon as spring arrives.

We also source large, established plants to help shorten the wait for your first harvest.

🌿 5. Support and Prune

Raspberries and blackberries grow best with sturdy support. Our cedar T-trellises keep plants upright, make pruning easier, and improve airflow and harvesting.

Speaking of pruning—it is essential for blueberries, raspberries, and blackberries. Late winter to early spring (around March) is the ideal time, while plants are still dormant.

We also offer ongoing maintenance, including pruning, weeding, pest management, and harvesting. Booking in fall or winter helps ensure you are first in line when spring arrives.

Ready to Grow Your Own Berries?

Whether you are dreaming of a handful of strawberries or enough blueberries to keep up with your family’s snack habits, we would love to help.

Reach out to our team at info@homefrontfarmers.com to start planning your berry garden today!