Blueberries can be grown in the small garden or in containers. Sunshine Blueberry is a bush type plant that is self-pollinating and adapts very well to growing in a large container. This variety is hardy from zone 5 through zone 9 and does well in a container filled with azalea/camellia potting mix.
Blueberry plants generally require cross-pollination for fruit set. Purchasing several plants at the same time is important for fruiting. Different varieties that bloom at similar times can be grown together and tend to increase the yield. Since the Sunshine variety does not need another plant for pollination it makes a wonderful plant to enjoy on the balcony or in a small yard.
Strawberries also make good small garden and container plants. Planting strawberries in hanging baskets works very well and keeps the fruit from lying on the ground. Strawberries require a spot in full sun with well draining soil. In the garden it is recommended not to plant strawberries where tomatoes, potatoes, peppers, or eggplant have been grown because of the possible spread of Verticillium Rot.
There are three different types of strawberries; June Bearing, Everbearing and Day Neutral. June bearing plants spread many runners and produce one large crop in the spring. Everbearing and Day Neutral plants do not put out as many runners and will give you more than one harvest to enjoy.
Using a raised bed 8 inches high and 2 feet wide makes it easy to grow Everbearing and Day Neutral strawberries. Removing the runners in the spring until July 1st will give you a higher yield than if you let them keep making runners. Placing netting over your plants will help ensure you are the recipient of the fruit of your labors.
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