The Berry Guide (NC Zone 7b)
You don’t need sprawling acres or a degree in horticulture to grow a berry patch. All you need is an area of full sun and the will to grow. In North Carolina Zone 7b, the environment is perfect for many popular berries. With the right know-how, you can easily cultivate a thriving patch of blueberries, blackberries, elderberries, mulberries, and raspberries.
Intention is the key ingredient for growing berries; it’s really not complex.
When to plant:
Late fall to early spring. While the above-ground world is dormant, roots are not. Planting in the cooler months allows for establishment without the stress of summer heat. Think of it as the quiet head start. If you are growing in the summer, it might be more difficult, but it’s not impossible. No matter what season you are in, it’s always a good time for container gardening.
What to plant:
- Blueberries: Forget the plastic clamshells from the supermarket. Grow your own blueberries. In our clay soil here in North Carolina, think about planting rabbiteye varieties. They thrive here when you add organic Daddy Pete’s planting mix to enrich the soil. Outside of their berries, they also look great with their ornamental red fall foliage and white spring flowers.
- Powder Blue & Tifblue: These are your main producers. Reliable, late-season producers. They need each other for pollination. A partnership.
- Premier: The early bird. Get a jump on the season. Plant it with the others. Extend your harvest.
- Blackberries:
- Apache (thornless): All the sweet juicy rewards, with none of the pain. Upright growing habit and large berries. It won’t ask for much, maybe some extra water in the summer while the berries get ripe. Full sun and a little space to grow are their main needs.
- Raspberries:
- Munger Black: A classic. Deep, rich flavor. A taste of something familiar that comes in a different berry.
- Everbearing Heritage Red: The plant that keeps on giving. A small summer crop, and then, a huge crop in the fall.
Companion plants:
These plants are not hermits. They appreciate the community of other flowering plants as they need pollinators. But choose their companions wisely.
- For Blueberries: Their roots crave acidity. Think companions that share this preference. Azaleas and rhododendrons are natural partners. Their floral beauty is a bonus. For groundcover, creeping thyme will suppress weeds and retain moisture.
- For Blackberries & Raspberries: These berries are more vigorous and have a different growing habit. They need companion plants that can hold their own. Mint, tansy and yarrow are good neighbors, attracting beneficial insects. Garlic or chives, with pungent aromas, can deter pests.
Why plant berries:
Beyond the obvious (the fresh, sun-warmed fruit), you might find a deeper connection to nature, the seasons, the soil, and the joy of creation.
Each berry is a small victory. A testament to patience and persistence.
It’s not just about growing berries. It’s about a shift in mindset. From a passive consumer to an active participant.
This is your garden, your own fruit. The work is the reward. The harvest is the exclamation point.
Potted Patch: Container Gardening
For those with limited space or undesirable soil conditions, growing berries in containers is an excellent and increasingly popular option.
Benefits of Container Growing:
- Soil Control: This is the most significant advantage, especially for blueberries, which require acidic soil that may not be present in your native garden beds. In a container, you can create an optimized acidic soil mix.
- Pest and Disease Management: It is often easier to spot and manage pests and diseases on a containerized plant.
- Mobility: Containers can be moved to optimize sun exposure throughout the day or to protect plants from harsh weather.
- Accessibility: Harvesting can be done easier, plants are higher, which is a big benefit particularly for those with limited mobility.
Container Considerations for Your Berries:
- Blueberries: A large container (at least 20 inches in diameter) is crucial to accommodate their root system. Use a potting mix formulated for acid-loving plants or create your own by blending potting soil with peat moss and composted pine bark. Be sure that you have excellent drainage.
- Blackberries: The ‘Apache’ variety’s upright habit makes it a good candidate for a large container (15-20 gallons). Provide a sturdy stake or small trellis for support as the plant grows and bears fruit.
- Raspberries: Both ‘Munger Black’ and everbearing raspberries can be grown in large containers (at least 15 gallons). Provide a trellis or other support to keep the canes from drooping. For everbearing varieties in containers, you can choose to manage them for a single, larger fall crop by pruning all canes to the ground in late winter.
When you choose to plant in the ground or in containers, these berry varieties will offer a rewarding and delicious addition to any North Carolina garden. With a little planning and care, you’ll be enjoying the sweet taste of summer for years to come.
