I want to take you on this journey with me as I plant and grow blueberries and raspberries in my backyard.

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Select the right variety:

It's important to know what you're planting and what it needs to thrive. All berry plants don't have the same needs, so read your labels and guides carefully!

• I’m growing a pink icing blueberry & a raspberry called raspberry shortcake. These are suitable for pots and they thrive in zones 5-10. My zone is 9a.
• The best time to fertilize is early spring before new growth, and again in late spring
• These berries thrive in full sun and its suitable for bear fruit in the summer

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Planting:

I’m planting my berry plants with potting mix. My potting mix is simple: it usually consists of coco coir, perlite, and compost.

• Blueberry plants prefer acidic soil, so I’ll add peat moss to this mix.
• Raspberries prefer a balanced soil, so I'll keep the original soil mix for these bushes.
  

I’m going to plant these and ensure the rootball is the same level as the soil surface. Then I’ll water them thoroughly. Speaking of watering, you want to make sure you provide consistent moisture but not waterlogged soil.

Let’s quickly talk about pests. Blueberry and raspberry plants can be affected by various types of garden insects. Some common ones include Japanese beetles, moth larvae, and aphids. You can take care of those pests by encouraging beneficial insects such as ladybugs, spraying your plants with insecticidal soap, and using physical barriers to protect them from birds and larger critters.

I discovered wild high bush blueberries and raspberries growing along my property line. I was thrilled to find them! I've always planned to plant my own, and seeing them mature nearby gives me a great idea of what to expect.

Signs of Health:

How can we tell that our plants our thriving?

• We see healthy leaves that are bright green. No spots!
• The berries are firm, plump, and sweet
• You see new growth

Conclusion

Ok, let's recap the key points:

• Select the right variety for your region and climate.
• Plant in the proper soil:
  • Blueberries thrive in an acidic soil mix
  • Raspberries grow well in a balanced soil mix
• Stop and prevent pest damage
• Look for signs of health, including blemish-free leaves, lasting flowers, and plump fruit