Three Things to Consider When Planning Your Garden

Previous Plantings

Avoid planting strawberries, raspberries, or blackberries in soils where previous crops have included strawberries, brambles, potatoes, tomatoes, eggplants, or peppers. These crops may harbor soil pathogens, which will affect the health and performance of your new plants. Soil that has previously grown these crops should be crop-rotated for five to eight years with a non-Verticillium-susceptible crop, such as oat or wheat. 

Soil pH

We recommend conducting a soil sample test with your local Cooperative Extension Office in the fall to evaluate nutritional levels, pH, and Cation Exchange Capacity (CEC). Amending soil is a slow process. Starting this process in the fall allows time to apply amendments, thereby avoiding delays in spring planting.

Sunlight Requirements

Plants need sunlight to thrive! Select a sunny site where plants will receive a minimum of 6–8 hours of daily sunlight.

If you want to grow fruit but only have available space in a partially shaded area, consider growing currants, gooseberries, and elderberries. These easy-to-grow crops tolerate partial shade areas.