Growing soft fruit in your garden is a rewarding experience. Not only will you enjoy fresh, homegrown berries, but many soft fruits like strawberries, raspberries, and blueberries are relatively easy to cultivate. Whether you have a large garden or a small patio, there are soft fruit options for everyone. Here's a complete guide on how to grow soft fruit for a delicious and fruitful harvest.
What Are Soft Fruits?
Soft fruits refer to fruiting plants with tender skins and juicy interiors, typically grown on bushes, canes, or as ground-hugging plants. Some of the most popular soft fruits include:
- Strawberries
- Raspberries
- Blackberries
- Blueberries
- Gooseberries
- Currants
Choosing the Right Soft Fruit for Your Garden
The type of soft fruit you grow will depend on your garden size, soil type, and personal taste preferences. Here’s a quick guide to some popular options:
Strawberries
- Ideal for: Containers, hanging baskets, or garden beds
- Soil: Well-drained, slightly acidic soil
- Sunlight: Full sun
Raspberries
- Ideal for: Garden borders or trellises
- Soil: Moist but well-drained soil
- Sunlight: Full sun to partial shade
Blueberries
- Ideal for: Acidic soils or containers
- Soil: Well-draining, ericaceous compost for containers
- Sunlight: Full sun to partial shade
How to Plant Soft Fruit
Preparing the Soil
Soft fruit requires rich, fertile soil with good drainage. For most varieties, it's best to prepare the soil by digging in plenty of organic matter like compost or well-rotted manure. This improves both soil structure and nutrient levels.
Planting Times
- Strawberries: Plant in early spring or late summer for the best results.
- Raspberries and Blackberries: Bare-root canes should be planted in late winter to early spring.
- Blueberries: Plant during the dormant season, from late autumn to early spring.
Spacing and Depth
- Strawberries: Space plants about 30cm apart, with 75cm between rows.
- Raspberries and Blackberries: Space canes about 45-60cm apart, allowing enough room for the plants to spread.
- Blueberries: Space bushes around 1 metre apart to allow them to grow into full-sized plants.
How to Care for Soft Fruit
Watering
Soft fruit plants need consistent watering, especially during dry periods. Keep the soil moist but not waterlogged, as overly wet conditions can cause root rot.
- Strawberries: Water regularly during the growing season, especially when the fruit is forming.
- Raspberries: Water deeply once or twice a week during hot weather.
- Blueberries: These plants thrive in acidic, well-drained soil and appreciate regular watering during fruiting.
Feeding and Fertilising
Most soft fruits benefit from an application of balanced fertiliser in early spring to promote healthy growth and fruiting. Strawberries and raspberries may need an additional feed of potash to encourage fruit development.
Mulching
Mulch around the base of soft fruit plants with straw, compost, or well-rotted manure to conserve moisture, suppress weeds, and improve soil fertility.
Supporting and Pruning Soft Fruit
Supporting Raspberries and Blackberries
Erect a sturdy support system, such as trellises or canes, for raspberries and blackberries to keep them upright and allow for better air circulation. Tie the canes loosely to the support as they grow.
Pruning Soft Fruits
- Strawberries: Remove runners (the long, trailing stems) to focus the plant's energy on fruit production. After fruiting, cut back the old leaves to promote healthy growth.
- Raspberries: Summer-fruiting raspberries should be pruned after fruiting, removing the old canes. For autumn-fruiting varieties, cut the canes down to the ground in late winter.
- Blueberries: Prune in late winter or early spring, removing any dead or crossing branches to encourage healthy growth.
Harvesting Soft Fruit
When to Harvest
- Strawberries: Harvest when they are fully red, plump, and fragrant. Regular picking encourages more fruiting.
- Raspberries: Pick when the berries easily detach from the cane, usually in mid to late summer.
- Blueberries: Harvest when the berries are fully blue and have a slight softness to them.
How to Store Soft Fruit
Soft fruit is best eaten fresh, but if you have a bumper crop, you can freeze your berries for later use. Simply spread them on a tray to freeze individually before transferring them to a freezer bag. They can also be used for making jams, preserves, or pies.
Common Problems and Solutions
Pests
- Birds: Cover your fruit with netting or horticultural fleece to prevent birds from feasting on your crop.
- Slugs and Snails: Use slug deterrents like copper tape, slug pellets, or organic methods like beer traps to protect strawberries.
Diseases
- Grey Mould: This can affect strawberries in damp conditions. Ensure good air circulation and remove any affected fruit immediately.
- Cane Blight: Affects raspberries and blackberries. Avoid overhead watering and prune out any diseased canes.
Final Thoughts
Growing soft fruit is a fantastic way to enjoy fresh, homegrown berries throughout the summer. With the right care and attention, your soft fruit plants will reward you with bountiful harvests year after year.