They taste great, they’re great for your health, they’re easy and affordable to grow – there is just no downside to growing your own berries! So why haven’t you started yet? The EJC experts stand ready to help you with free, expert advice for successfully growing berry shrubs and vines in our area. And there are so many to choose from – Blackberries, Raspberries, Blueberries, Grapes and more!
Even if you have very limited space, you can STILL produce a delicious berry crop! Blueberries can be easily managed in small spaces, raised beds and even containers, albeit in limited numbers. And a new compact shrub form of Raspberries called Strawberry Shortcake & Baby Cakes are also great for small spaces and containers. Let’s take a look at what kind of environment each berry prefers so you can choose one that will be ideal for your situation
Space is a big consideration when choosing which berry to grow. Blueberries, for instance, are super versatile and come in varieties that grow from 2-3 feet (good for containers as mentioned above) all the way up to 8-10 feet tall! Plant them where they’ll get plenty of sunshine and keep in mind they prefer acidic soil conditions. One of our pros can show you how to test your soil and use an additive if needed.
Raspberries and blackberries are also popular but typically require more space for the standard varieties. They have a wider growth habit and will require a bit of pruning to maximize the most productive berry canes. One of our pros can easily show you how and when to prune. We also have tame thornless varieties for easy picking! (And don’t forget the compact varieties for small spaces, as mentioned above).
If you have a larger space to commit to them, growing grapes can be a delicious and rewarding hobby! Trellis training will be necessary but you will find them well worth the effort, for eating, canning, jellies and for wine making, too. There is nothing like fresh grapes right from the vine!
And lucky for us, right here in Tennessee our soils and climates are comparable to some of the finest grape-growing regions in the whole world!
Other yummy berry options we offer include currant, gooseberry, sweetberry, Goji berry and boysenberry. With a good location and the right planting techniques, most berries will thrive here in East Tennessee. The best place to start is right here at Evergreen of Johnson City, where our experts will share with you the best berry-growing advice you’ll get anywhere!
