Page 12 2025 Spring Home and Garden LINCOLN DAILY NEWS April 2025 for later use, these berries offer a multitude of possibilities to delight your taste buds. Happy gardening! Other Berries That Grow in Illinois Illinois, known for its fertile soil and favorable climate, and is home to a variety of berry species that flourish across the state. Beyond strawberries, raspberries, and blackberries, there are several other types of berries that gardeners and farmers can cultivate in their gardens. By growing a variety of berries in Illinois you can enhance your garden and provide you with a diverse range of delicious, fresh fruits to enjoy throughout the growing season. By understanding the specific needs and characteristics of each berry type, you can maximize your gardening success and relish the bounty of your labor. Here is a rundown of various other berries that can grow in Illinois: Blueberries Blueberries are a popular choice among Illinois gardeners due to their sweet flavor and numerous health benefits. Soil/Growth: They thrive in well-drained, acidic soil and require full sun exposure. Planting/Harvesting Time: The best time to plant blueberry bushes is in the spring, and they typically begin to produce fruit in their second or third year of growth. Maintenance: Regular pruning and fertilizing will help ensure a bountiful harvest. Elderberries Elderberries are known for their versatility in both culinary and medicinal applications. Soil/Growth: These berries grow on large shrubs and prefer moist, well-drained soil and prefer full sun, however, it can grow in partial shade very easily. Elderberry plants are relatively easy to care for and can tolerate a range of soil types. Planting/Harvesting Time: With huge bunches of flowers growing during the second year of growth, these dark purple berries can be harvested in mid-to-late July, depending on the weather. And the berries can be used to make jams, syrups, and wines. Maintenance: Make sure that you plant this where it is okay for the shrub to spread out throughout the coming years. Gooseberries Gooseberries are another excellent choice for Illinois gardens. Soil: These small, tart berries grow on thorny stems that prefer a moist well-drained soil and a sunny location. However, they are not particular on where they land and will grow just about anywhere. Planting/Harvesting Time: Gooseberry bushes are self-fertile so one will do well and should be planted between late autumn and early spring with the best time being in November or December. Gooseberries are typically harvested in July and the average gooseberry bush produces eleven pounds of Continued --
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