Berries Planting Calendar
Planting & Setup
Berries are long-term crops that can produce for many years when properly established. Unlike annual vegetables, they require long term planning, good soil preparation, and consistent care. Strawberries, raspberries, blueberries, and other berries thrive in well-drained soil and full sun. Once established, they can become some of the most productive plants in your garden. Because they are perennial, it’s important to choose their location carefully and maintain them season after season. Read our blog post on pruning berry bushes.
| Crop Name | How To Plant | Spring Planting | Fall Planting | Germinate Indoors |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Basil | Either | 5/15–6/30 | None | Yes (4–6 weeks before) |
| Cilantro | Direct Seed | 3/25–5/15 | 8/15–9/30 | No |
| Dill | Direct Seed | 4/1–6/15 | 8/1–9/15 | No |
| Oregano | Transplant | 5/15–6/30 | None | Yes (6–8 weeks before) |
| Sage | Transplant | 5/15–6/30 | None | Yes (6–8 weeks before) |
| Parsley | Either | 4/1–5/30 | 8/1–9/15 | Yes (4–6 weeks before) |
| Lavender | Transplant | 5/15–6/30 | None | Yes (8–10 weeks before) |
| Chives | Either | 4/1–6/1 | 8/1–9/15 | Yes (4–6 weeks before) |
Growing Conditions
| Crop Name | Sunlight | Temperature Tolerances | Ideal Soil Temperature | Seed Depth | Days to Harvest |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Strawberries | Full sun | 25°F–85°F | 60–75°F | 0.125 in. | 60–90 |
| Blueberries | Full sun | 20°F–85°F | 60–75°F | 0.125 in. | 90–150 |
| Raspberries | Full sun | 20°F–90°F | 60–75°F | 0.25 in. | 90–120 |
| Blackberries | Full sun | 20°F–90°F | 65–80°F | 0.25 in. | 90–120 |
| Ground Cherries | Full sun | 50°F–95°F | 70–85°F | 0.25 in. | 70–90 |
| Honeyberries | Full–part | -40°F–75°F | 50–70°F | 0.25 in. | 60–90 |
| Elderberries | Full–part | 20°F–90°F | 60–75°F | 0.25 in. | 90–120 |
| Currants | Full–part | 20°F–80°F | 55–70°F | 0.25 in. | 80–120 |
| Gooseberries | Full–part | 20°F–80°F | 55–70°F | 0.25 in. | 80–120 |
| Goji Berries | Full sun | 20°F–95°F | 65–85°F | 0.25 in. | 90–120 |
Choose a sunny spot — most berries need at least 6–8 hours of direct sunlight daily. Strawberries and blueberries are especially sun-hungry.
Plan for space: Raspberries, blackberries) spread aggressively. Give them dedicated beds with clear boundaries. Container growing works well for blueberries and strawberries if space or soil quality is limited.
Watering: Drip irrigation keeps foliage dry (reducing disease) while delivering moisture directly to roots. Water deeply and consistently during fruit development; irregular watering leads to cracking and poor flavor.
Mulch heavily (3–4 inches of wood chips or straw) to retain moisture, suppress weeds, and regulate soil temperature.
Pest & Disease Management: Bird netting is essential — birds will beat you to a ripe harvest every time. Rotate strawberry beds every 3–4 years to prevent soil-borne disease buildup.
Extend your harvest: Stagger your varieties (early, mid, and late season) to extend your harvest window across the whole summer. Keep a garden journal noting which varieties performed best in your micro-climate.
Harvests increase every year: Patience pays off. Most berries reach peak production in their 3rd–5th year. Resist the urge to give up early!
