Everybody who’s been a kid, or is one still, has a special place in his heart for fruits, especially Small Fruits and Berries! And as much as I love my Play Station, picking berries and grapes still ranks higher in the list of things I’ve had most fun doing. Having grown up in a neighborhood where almost every other house had a sprawling garden, I’m well acquainted with the thrill and excitement that comes with picking, or rather stealing fruits! A pity not many of my current neighbors have large gardens filled with juicy fruit. Not that I can still go around picking (read stealing) grapes and strawberries, I’m much too big, and slow for that now, but it kind of robs the fun out of the lives of those who’re kids still. A pity because even urban homes offer plenty of ways to grow small fruits and berries
Small yards, balconies, rooftops… the space might be limited, but it’s space still, enough, for you to grow some of your favorite berries and small fruits. All you need to do is pick (pick is right, no stealing here) the fruit you want to grow. Blackberries, raspberries, strawberries, kiwis, grapes or currants… Your options are many and exceedingly enticing all!
Most small fruits do best in locations that get full sun for the major part of the day and most of them (barring blueberries which prefer acidic soils) relish a soil ph of 5.5-7.5. Add plenty of organic materials. Another factor that’s common to almost all small fruit and berries is their love for water. It’s always a good idea to plant them close to water hoses and sprinklers.
When you’re growing small fruits, make sure to stay clean of chemical fertilizers. Remember- safe, nutritious fruits make for real and serious fun!