Have your berries out grown their container? Are they to close to a now needed area in the garden? just wanting to give them a larger area to expand in? Here are some tips for moving your berries around.

Timing:

The best time to transplant berries is before or after fruiting to avoid interrupting this year’s fruit production. Depending on what type you are growing, this could be spring or fall. It’s easier to move berry canes when they are pruned but sometimes you just need to get the task done and cannot wait. If you want to move them during fruiting, do your best to disturb the roots as little as possible and be sure to keep them well-watered in their new location.

Preparing the new spot:

Get the new location ready before beginning your transplant.

Dig a hole approximately 18-inches wide by 12-inches deep and set soil aside for reuse.

Prune the dead or used areas:

Clear out any used canes or branches that have been spent for berry production. This will lighten the amount being transferred over and allow the plant to focus on root growth and production. Take note of if one-side produces more then the other then perhaps make sure you are facing it in accessible ways.

Dig it out/Check it out:

When digging up any plant for transplant, you want to bring as much of the original soil with it as possible. This prevents any unnecessary disruption to the roots. You don’t want to leave the bare roots exposed so either replant immediately or place the roots in warm water or damp soil and transplant as soon as possible.

Take this time to check on the health of the roots of the pants. Look for signs of any predation of that might be affecting the plant or for any sights of root rot. You can take this time to spray some treatment on them to treat any issues that might be prevalent.

Plant in new location:

Plant in the new location at the same soil depth as the original location. Hold plant in position, spread out roots, and gently add soil, pressing it in place. Water and top up soil as needed.

Spacing

Berries do best with good air circulation so you don’t want to crowd the plants. If you’re leaving them bushy, allow extra space.

Watering

Give the newly transplanted berries a good soaking. Fill in any air pockets with more soil. During the growing season, keep the soil most (not dry or soaking wet).

Mulch:

Add a layer of organic mulch to help retain moisture. Use some straw, bark, or other organic material that you might have on hand for mulching your garden.