Many people today shy away from enjoying berries picked fresh in the forest or picking them for further processing because of the fox tapeworm and possible contamination. In an appropriately delimited garden, various varieties of different wild berries can be grown and harvested without hesitation.

Fresh wild berries from our own garden are a special treat

Which wild berries can you plant in your own garden?

There is a whole range of plant varieties that, due to their occurrence in nature and their location preferences, can probably be classified under the term forest berries without a systematic plant relationship:

  • blackberries
  • sloes
  • cranberries
  • blueberries
  • elderberries

This list could go on, but the varieties mentioned above are some of the most important wild berries that are really valued and planted for their berries. In the case of blackberries and blueberries, the commercially available cultivars are usually used due to the yield to be harvested, but their wild forms can also be planted in a garden. However, you should be aware of the fact, especially with wild blackberries, that these plants can be planted in a suitable location in the
penumbra hardly ever gets rid of.

Which locations are suitable for forest berries?

As the term wild berries already suggests, most of the typical wild berry varieties thrive best in a partially shaded location. However, elderberries and cultivated blueberries also appreciate locations in full sun.

What should be considered when planting or transplanting wild berries?

Basically, some of these plants are sensitive to dehydration. Therefore, when planting or transplanting, the roots of the plants should never be taken out of the ground for longer than absolutely necessary. In addition, cooler rainy periods are more suitable times for planting than summer dry periods.

How can wild berries be propagated?

Some forest berries, such as the low-growing, wild blueberry or the wild blackberry, multiply by themselves in a suitable location over the years without any action. Other varieties such as the elderberry or blackthorn can be propagated relatively easily by sowing.

What is the best time to plant wild berries?

Forest berries can be transplanted well in autumn, but if necessary the plants can also be planted in the garden in spring.

At what time of the year can the fruits of wild berries be harvested?

Since wild berries cover a relatively wide range of different plant varieties, it is not possible to give a general point in time for the harvest. However, the fruits of the wild forms of the blueberry native to Central Europe usually ripen from the end of June to the end of August, for example. The exact point in time depends not only on the course of the weather throughout the year, but also on the specific location and altitude.

What should the soil for wild berries be like?

Most forest berries love a rather moist, humus-rich soil with a certain depth. Sandy or poor soils can be enriched with some compost before planting wild berries in the garden.

tips

With the elder, not only the fully ripe berries can be harvested and processed. A syrup for a variety of refreshing summer drinks can also be prepared from the flowers with sugar and water.

Category:

Vegetable garden