Berries and small fruits can be fun and rewarding to grow. Strawberries, raspberries, gooseberries, currants, blackberries, blueberries, and grapes are examples of small fruits that can be grown in the home garden.
Berries need plenty of water to set flower and fruit. The most effective way to conserve water in the berry garden is to irrigate small fruits and berries using a drip type system.
When designed properly, drip irrigation systems reduce water waste by delivering water directly to the root zone.
Foliar (leaf) disease problems are reduced since water is not applied directly to leaves. These systems are widely available through irrigation supply companies and big box stores.
Types of Drip or Trickle Irrigation
- Row crop tape
- Orchard emitter
- Micro-sprinkler
- Soaker hoses
Irrigating Small Fruits and Berries
Different fruits and berries have different water requirements. Remember to group plants with like water needs together in hydrozones.
Additional Resources by Region:
Midwest
Missouri: Drip Irrigation and Watering Web Links
Southwest
West
California – Growing Berries in your Backyard
Idaho – Growing Currants, Gooseberries, and Jostaberries