Raspberries and Blueberries and Strawberries ,Oh my !!!

  Some years ago a neighbor planted Raspberries along our communal fence. I don't know why but somehow in my mind I thought such things were not for us in Southern California. I guess with folks always making new varieties and pushing the boundaries of planting , berries are more than appropriate here. 

  Last year I planted a few along with some grapes on a cross fence in the yard.  Having a half acre in California there is the obligatory chain link fence everywhere .Very ugly obligatory chain link fence. I jumped at the chance to cover this hideous but necessary monster. They  did alright but it was their first year and I am sure they did not get enough water . But they lived , anything that lives in this semi-arid condition deserves a second chance. 

     A few months ago the city cut down a row of trees along the side of my property leaving me with 50 feet of open fence line in the garden area. What to do? plant berries!!!  And I did. And I did .And I did. Raspberries , Blackberries, Boysenberries , and Blueberries. I now have a veritable berry farm!!!!   

    My drip irrigation experiment started last year.  I remember looking at the directions and my eyes started to cross when they mentioned  GPM and water pressure and flow .Instantly I was back in College taking a Physics exam, sweaty palms and all . I did the  best I could. Now I know , thanks to my good friend Bob, everyone needs a good friend Bob, that I did it wrong. Or let's just say he put the Physics in perspective for me.

 To make a long story short , something seemingly impossible for me, I embarked on my drip irrigation project. I did have a billion berries to water. If there is one thing berries need its water. My husband remarked I was beginning to look a bit beaverish as I proceeded to drip irrigate everything in the yard, including the chickens. Yes I have included them too and I believe they appreciate the effort. 

   I bought all of my berries bare root. At five dollars a piece it is not so bad. It is a very quick season though as they are only available January through February here. Once the nursery pots them up they instantly turn to $30 plants. Patience and planning will definitely help you keep the gardening process cheap. From what I understand berries root very well so if anyone a near me is interested I have no problems sharing. 

   Another plant I don't ever grow is strawberries. Strawberries are so cheap here in California . I changed my mind this year though. I read where strawberries were a great mulch around your berry plants. I put one strawberry plant near the drip emitters on my berries. Water two plants at a time. Now that's exciting!!! I really do need to get a life.......