These Are the Best Berries to Grow in Your Garden This Spring

If you're ready to expand your vegetable garden to include some of your favorite spring fruits, why not consider adding berries to the mix? Not only will berries mature quickly (so you’ll enjoy a harvest within a season or two), but they also make for deliciously fresh summer pies and spring desserts! But which are the best types of berries to grow at home? Along with common types, like strawberries and blueberries, this list also includes some lesser known berries, including sour gooseberries and sweet-tart boysenberries.

With so many varieties of berries to choose from, you'll be making your own berry jam in no time! But first, you'll need to plant the berries. If space is an issue, many new berry varieties have been introduced in recent years that are more compact and some can even grow well in containers. For example, there are certain types of strawberries and blueberries that thrive in hanging pots— which also keeps them away from pesky garden visitors. Looking for berry plants that double as landscaping ideas? Many new varieties are pretty enough to do double-duty as ornamentals, so they look and taste good, too!

When planting berries, remember that they’re perennial plants, so you’ll need a dedicated space for them. In addition, make sure to choose a variety that can survive winters in your USDA Hardiness zone (find yours here); many berries are surprisingly cold-hardy, if you choose the right types. Ahead, are the best berries to grow in your garden.