Backyard Garden: Berries
The Berry Garden provides instructional information on the growing of various berries in Kansas. In addition, we donate the annual harvest to local food pantries.
The Berry Garden consists of three berry patches:
- strawberries,
- blackberries, and
- blueberries.
Strawberries
Points of Interest:
- The strawberries grown in this bed are June-bearing varieties, Honeoye and Jewel.
- The plants have produced as much as 60 pounds of fruit per year from approximately 100 feet of plants.
- June berries are not harvestable the year they are planted.
- June berries require full sun and a well-prepared garden bed. We recommend conducting a soil test. If soil is a problem, consider a raised bed.
Growing Tips:
- Straw mulch in December after the ground is frozen.
- Remove mulch in February to March when soil is 40 degrees.
- Drip irrigation will maximize harvest.
- Enjoy fresh berries in June.
- After harvest, renovate by narrowing rows to encourage daughter plants to spread.
- In Kansas, we fertilize in August and September after new daughter plants root.
Blackberries
Points of Interest:
- The Blackberries grown in this bed are thornless Natchez. This is a semi-erect variety which produces large, sweet berries and are grown on a trellis.
- The cultivars are out of Arkansas and grow vigorously.
- Currently our blackberries are in an early stage of production. They produce large berries in June on 2nd year plants (floricane). The crown is winter hardy and will send up multiple plants yearly (primocane).
- Without pruning, the berries are too numerous and fail to grow to full size.
Growing Tips:
Using the Fence method:
- Space new growth 2 feet apart.
- Support wire at 3 feet and 5 feet.
- After harvest, remove floricane (2nd year berry producers).
- Select branches at the wire and tie to wire.
- Prune primocane (first year growth) to only 4 arms that run 2 feet along wire.
- Fertilize and water through the summer.
Blueberries
Points of Interest:
- Blueberries are acid-loving plants and require yearly monitoring of soil pH.
- The varieties of blueberries planted in this garden are Duke, Patriot, Bluecrop, and Sierra.
- At least two cultivars are needed for pollination.
- The blueberries in this garden are several years old and require yearly sulfur and mulch to maintain acidic pH.
- A net covering was constructed to prevent bird damage and has proven to work well in blocking Japanese Beetles.
Growing Tips:
- Prune one or two of the oldest canes to the ground February to March.
- Harvest late May to June.
- Fertilize and keep watered after harvest.
- Add sulfur in fall and maintain sawdust mulch in alkaline soils.
- Pruning plants yearly after years 5 and 6 is a winter chore.
Garden Address
35230 W 135th St
Olathe, KS 66061
Master Gardeners are available to answer questions and provide tours while they work the gardens Wednesday mornings, March to October. To schedule a visit on another day (M-F), please contact us at bygjocoemg@gmail.com
Have questions? The Garden Hotline is staffed by trained EMG volunteers and Extension staff who will assist you with questions.
Phone: (913) 715-7050
Email: garden.help@jocogov.org
