[sofiabugmom]

Our garden is in CT, zone 6b (Fairfield County). About a year ago, we had to dig up our strawberry and raspberry plants due to a MAJOR poison ivy infestation in the garden bed (we didn't apply herbicide). No new ivy has grown in, so the bed is ready for new plants.

So what's the problem? We won't be moving back to the house until August, and I don't think it's fair of us to ask our tenants to put in plants this spring (or try to schedule around a landscaper's time) since they won't get a chance to enjoy before their lease is up.

My question is: can we plant the strawberries in August, pinch off the flowers and expect a berry crop next summer? Also, can the raspberries (or blackberries, haven't made up our minds yet) be planted in fall as well?

TIA!

 

[SleeplessMommy]

I don't think you will find strawberry plants available for sale in the fall around here. Blackberry and raspberry are both super-sturdy native plants. If you can find them for sale in the fall, plant them and they will be just fine!

Note, raspberry is sensitive to some plant viruses. A thornless blackberry is your best bet