The most recommended time to plant red berries, berries or woodland fruits is from the beginning of autumn, when the soil already has good moisture and temperatures are lower, until late spring. We should bear in mind that this is only a general recommendation, and that the ideal planting time will also depend on the climate in your area, the weather conditions at the time of planting, and the size or type of plant you are using.
In general, it is recommended to start planting red berries or woodland fruits in autumn, which is usually the season of the first rains, bringing moisture and a good amount of atmospheric nitrogen into the soil, which helps support healthy plant development. From that point until late spring, when temperatures begin to rise, this is usually the easiest and most suitable period for planting.
However, with our large XL plants, you can plant almost all year round and harvest your own berries quickly and easily, although there are a few important points to keep in mind, which we explain below.
Can I plant red berries or woodland fruits in summer?
Yes, but when planting in summer, especially in warm areas such as southern Spain, it is essential to have an irrigation system installed in advance so that the plants can receive abundant watering from the moment they are planted and do not suffer from stress. Of course, the hottest hours of the day should always be avoided, so it is best to plant early in the morning or in the evening.
On the other hand, in very cold areas, planting in the middle of winter is usually avoided, since the ground may be frozen or covered with snow, making it harder to prepare the soil properly under those conditions. In cases of extremely low temperatures, below -10 or -15°C, although most plants can tolerate even colder conditions, it is still advisable to wait a few days until temperatures rise again.
Can I plant bare-root plants or very small plants?
Yes, although bare-root planting is not the most advisable option. If we use this type of berry plant, great care is needed, because without the roots protected inside a pot with substrate, any heatwave, cold spell, adverse weather event or other problem can cause the plants to dry out easily. Bare-root berry plants are best planted before the start of spring, when they are still in winter dormancy or their activity level remains very low. Because these plants are lifted from the ground, they may lose some of their young roots in the process, and these are essential for strong establishment and healthy growth in the field. For this reason, this type of plant is being used less and less in berry cultivation.
If very small plants are used, such as plug plants, tray plants or very small pots, it is advisable to wait until spring, as these plants are usually delicate and have a very limited root system. As a result, they may suffer during winter due to low temperatures, sometimes even to the point of dying. They can also be planted at the end of summer, but in that case we must make sure they are well established during autumn so that they can withstand winter without any problems.
Should I prepare the soil or ground before planting?
Yes, the soil should always be prepared properly before planting. Remember that berries such as blueberries, wild strawberries and raspberries need acidic, light and well-drained soils, which is why we always recommend mixing in pine bark, as it increases acidity and improves soil texture. If it is added on top of the soil around the plants, it also helps suppress weeds.
If your soil does not meet the right conditions, or if you simply do not want to prepare it, that is not a problem, as all berry plants can also be grown in pots. You only need an acidic potting substrate and a pot with drainage holes that allows air circulation underneath, ensuring healthy root development. In this way, you can grow your own berries in any garden, orchard, terrace or balcony.
To make things as easy as possible and avoid cultivation problems, it is always best to use high-quality berry plants grown in pots with a well-developed root system. That is why in our nursery you can find large plants for immediate harvests, allowing you to grow your own berries in a very simple way wherever you are, as we offer varieties adapted to all climates.
Prepared and written by Adrián García Villar, Agricultural Engineer from the Polytechnic University of Madrid (UPM). Registered No. 215, Official Association of Agricultural Engineers of the Principality of Asturias (COIASTUR).
Bibliography consulted:
Juan Carlos García, Guillermo García González de Lena, Marta Ciordia Ara (2018).
Blueberry Cultivation in Northern Spain