A Central Oregon Guide to Growing Berries
Berries bring a kind of everyday magic to the garden. Their bright colors, sweet flavors, and old-fashioned charm have a way of turning even a small backyard into something special. Whether you’re growing them in raised beds, containers, or carving out space along a sunny fence, berries are surprisingly easy to grow—with just a bit of know-how.
Central Oregon’s climate can be a little tricky—hot, dry summers and cool nights, with soil that tends to be more alkaline than berries prefer. But don’t worry—with a few adjustments, you can grow blueberries, strawberries, and raspberries with confidence.
Blueberries
Blueberries are a favorite for good reason—they're beautiful, low-maintenance once established, and come back stronger year after year. But they do need one key thing: acidic soil. Most soil in Central Oregon runs too alkaline, so a little prep goes a long way.
Tips for success:
Use a soil mix designed for acid-loving plants or add soil sulfur and organic matter to lower the pH.
Plant at least two varieties to ensure good cross-pollination.
Keep the soil moist but not soggy. Blueberries have shallow roots and prefer consistent watering.
A good mulch—like pine bark or needles—helps keep the soil cool and acidic.
Bird netting is essential once berries begin to ripen.
Strawberries
Few things say “summer” quite like a ripe, red strawberry still warm from the sun. Strawberries grow beautifully here with just a little care and the right timing.
Tips for success:
Choose between June-bearing (large crop once a year) and everbearing (smaller, more frequent harvests).
Raised beds or containers work well and help with drainage.
Keep them well-mulched to protect fruits from rot and deter slugs.
Trim off runners if you want bigger berries rather than more plants.
Fertilize after harvest, not during flowering, to avoid leafy growth instead of fruit.
Raspberries
Raspberries are some of the most rewarding berries to grow. Once they’re established, they come back stronger year after year.
Tips for success:
Raspberries prefer loamy, well-drained soil and benefit from compost.
Give them room to breathe—airflow prevents mildew and disease.
Use a trellis or simple support to keep canes upright and easier to pick from.
Fertilize in early spring and again around mid-season.
Know your type:
Summer-bearing raspberries fruit on last year’s canes—prune those after harvest.
Fall-bearing varieties fruit on new canes—just cut everything back in winter.
Pest & Bird Management
No one likes losing a crop to hungry critters. Some simple tools make a big difference:
Bird netting is your best friend—lightweight, reusable, and effective.
Slug traps or safe bait are great for strawberry beds.
Keep plants well-spaced and pruned for good airflow—it helps prevent fungal issues.
Berry Fest Specials
During Berry Fest, we’re making it even easier to get growing.
Here’s what we’ll have in stock:
Berry plants (blueberries, strawberries, raspberries & more)
Acidic soil mixes, fertilizers, and compost
Bird netting and organic pest solutions
Mulches, containers, and pottery
Whether you're planting one pot of strawberries or starting a whole backyard patch, our team is here to help you pick the right varieties and tools for success.
Let’s Grow Together
We love seeing what you grow! Stop by, bring your questions, and don’t be shy about asking for help. Berry gardening doesn’t have to be complicated—it just takes a little care and a lot of sunshine.
And if you can join us, come out to one of our Berry Talks on the patio:
🗓️ Saturdays, June 21 & 28 | 🕚 11:00–11:30 AM
We'll cover berry basics, answer questions, and help you get the most from your garden this season.