Berries
Soil pH and pruning timing make or break a berry harvest — blueberries in particular need acidity to thrive, which most Australian soil doesn't naturally have. These 7 guides cover the specific conditions each berry needs, from blackberries to strawberries.
Blackberry
Rubus fruticosus · Rose family
Blueberry
Vaccinium spp. · Heath family
Boysenberry
Rubus ursinus × idaeus · Rose family
Currants
Ribes spp. (red, black, white) · Gooseberry family
Gooseberry
Ribes uva-crispa · Gooseberry family
Raspberry
Rubus idaeus · Rose family
Strawberry
Fragaria × ananassa · Rose family
Frequently Asked Questions
Why are my berries small or sparse?
Inconsistent watering during fruit development is the most common cause, alongside old, overcrowded canes that haven't been pruned out. Most berries need remarkably consistent moisture right through fruiting to size up properly.
Do I need to net my berry plants?
In most cases, yes — birds are extremely attracted to ripening berries, and netting from the point fruit starts to colour is often the difference between harvesting a crop yourself and losing it entirely.