Tom Kalb, a horticulturist with North Dakota State University Extension, shared advice on May 5 for gardeners interested in starting a berry patch. Kalb said that homegrown berries are “absolutely delicious” and emphasized that now is the best time to begin such a project.
Kalb outlined practical steps for preparing a site, recommending at least eight hours of direct sunlight and avoidance of low spots or frost pockets. He suggested removing existing turf or weeds using either glyphosate herbicide or by covering the area with a black tarp for several weeks. After soil preparation, he advised planting strawberries—highlighting June-bearing varieties like AC Wendy, Honeyoye, and Jewel as productive choices that can yield large crops every June after the first year.
He also described everbearing types such as Ozark Beauty and Fort Laramie, which produce crops in both June and fall, as well as day-neutral types like Albion and Seascape that provide berries throughout the summer but have shorter plant lifespans. For raspberries, Kalb recommended summer-bearing varieties including Latham, Boyne, Killarney, and Nova. He noted that bare-root plants are typically sold online or at garden centers in bundles suitable for backyard planting.
In addition to strawberries and raspberries, Kalb encouraged gardeners to consider haskaps—also known as honeyberries—which are hardy alternatives to blueberries in local climates. “Haskap fruits are juicy and flavorful with essences of blackberry, cherry and grape,” he said. He recommended Canadian varieties such as Indigo Gem, Aurora, Honey Bee; Japanese varieties like Keiko or Solo were also mentioned for their ease of harvest.
North Dakota State University Extension and Ag Research News supports rural communities through sustainable agriculture practices while providing education across North Dakota; it operates within the agriculture sector offering undergraduate and graduate programs focused on food systems and natural resources according to the official website.
Kalb concluded by encouraging families to enjoy growing berries together: “Growing berries in the backyard will be a joy for you and your entire family.” For further information about gardening or berry cultivation resources from regional universities or seed suppliers were suggested.
