Growing better berries at home

Homegrown strawberries and blueberries can thrive in north Alabama gardens with the right care, according to Alabama Cooperative Extension System regional horticulture agent Makahla Holloway.

She said simple steps such as replacing aging strawberry plants, improving soil structure, and properly pruning blueberry bushes can help grow stronger plants and produce better harvests.

One of the most common problems she sees with home strawberries is plants that remain in the ground too long.

“Typically, you’re going to want to replace your strawberries every year, or at least every other year,” Holloway said. “The longer they’re in the ground, the less they’re going to produce.”

Sunlight and soil quality also play a major role in berry production, she said. Strawberries should receive at least six hours of sunlight each day and grow best in soil that drains well.

“In north Alabama, we have a lot of clay soil, so it doesn’t drain as well,” Holloway said. “That’s why a lot of people do raised beds.”

Improving soil structure can help plants grow more successfully.

“You can add organic matter like compost, peat moss or manure,” Holloway said. “Anything that helps bring structure to your soil.”

Holloway also recommends conducting a soil test before planting to determine soil pH and nutrient needs.

Blueberries require a different type of care than strawberries, particularly when it comes to pruning. “Pruning is important, and people always have questions about how to do it properly,” Holloway said.

Blueberry bushes grow stems known as canes that emerge from the base of the plant and support branches and fruit production. New canes grow each year while older ones become less productive over time.

“You want a mixture of one-year, two-year, threeyear, four-year and fiveyear- old canes,” Holloway said. “As new ones come up, you take out your oldest ones.”

She also recommends making sure pruning tools are sharp and clean before starting.

For beginners, Holloway encourages gardeners to keep their first season manageable.

“Don’t try to grow 10 different things at once,” she said. “Start with two or three things your first season so you don’t get overwhelmed.”

She said many gardeners find success once they begin with a few crops and gradually expand.

“The goal is for people to be able to grow their own produce and then take it into the kitchen and make meals out of it for their families,” Holloway said.