How to Fertilize Berry Plants

Juicy fresh berries are a hallmark of summer and with proper care they can easily grow in many home landscapes. Proper soil fertility, sun exposure, watering and fertilization help to support large crops of succulent berries. All berry plants benefit from planting soil that is rich in organic amendments or supplemental nutrients mixed into it. In addition, surface-level applications of fertilizer during the growing season provide an extra boost to keep the berry plants in peak production for as long a season as possible.

Aged manure
Compost
Spade, rake or tilling fork
10-10-10 slow-release fertilizer
10-10-10 fast-release fertilizer

Instructions

- 1
  Till in several inches of well-aged manure or compost into the berry beds before planting to boost the soil fertility. Remove all clumps and stones from the soil.
- 2
  Mix in a 10-10-10 slow-release fertilizer into the top 3 to 6 inches of soil, using 2 1/2 lbs. of fertilizer for every 100 square feet of planting soil, just before planting time in the spring.
- 3
  Water the fertilizer into the soil very lightly and wait two to five days before planting your berry plants in the amended and fertilized soil.
- 4
  Fertilize established berry beds over the soil or mulch in middle to late April with a fertilizer with a guaranteed analysis of 10-10-10 or an organic equivalent. Follow the product label dosing directions, but do not exceed application rates of 2 1/2 lbs. for every 250 square feet of plantings or 3 lbs. for every 250 square feet if you have a heavy mulch over the soil.
- 5
  Repeat a second identical application four to six weeks after the first to keep the plants in a high-production growth mode.
- 6
  Water each fertilizer application in lightly to begin distributing the nutrients. Provide a minimum of 1 to 2 inches of water a week thereafter.

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