How to grow berries in your kitchen

Rich in antioxidants, vitamin C and iron, berries are great allies of our immune system and growing these plants in the kitchen is relatively simple.

But what exactly are the fruits included in this category? The truth is that this is such a wide group of wild fruits that it is difficult not to find one for every palate. Generally speaking, we are talking about colorful fruits - usually red, black or blue - from different families including strawberries, strawberry bushes, currants, blueberries, blackberries, raspberries.... Each one, however, has its own needs and, although in general they are easy to grow, it is important to keep in mind their peculiarities.

A few simple pots or planters may be all you need to grow your berries at home. Are you more of a sweet tooth? Then raspberries and currants are your thing. Are you more into sour flavors? Blackberries, blueberries or wild strawberries may be the best choice. Many of them share certain care although with nuances.

For example, while blackberries are comfortable in full sun and frequent watering, currants grow well in semi-shade. However, like blackberries, they require a moist substrate and abundant watering.

Raspberries are another ideal choice for growing berries. They are quite resistant to both cold and heat, so you will not have to worry about temperature changes in your kitchen. In any case, if you choose to leave them on the terrace it is important to protect them from the wind or rain and, if possible, to place them in a semi-shaded spot or to change their location. If you are eager to enjoy your garden in the kitchen, you should know that this type of plant takes about two years to bear fruit from the time of planting.  

Strawberries, blackberries and blueberries are some of the most popular choices for growing berries at home, although other varieties such as currants are also included in this category.

Blueberries share with raspberries their slow growth rate, although unlike raspberries, they are not very heat friendly. Plant them in semi-shade and, if outdoors, protect their roots in the cooler months. Since part of them are in the air, a bit of pine bark can be your best ally.

With cream, yogurt, chocolate, in a milkshake? Strawberries are one of the most versatile berries in terms of gastronomic delight. But also one of the most grateful species since it is planted until you can enjoy its fruit. Like the previous ones, it resists the cold well, although you have to be careful with frost and, unlike blackberries, blueberries or currants, you should avoid overwatering them because you could rot their roots.

If you are determined to grow berries in the kitchen or any other space in the house, the first thing to do is to prepare the soil well. It must be thoroughly aerated and moved, regardless of the type of plant. Add substrate, compost and sand and be sure to submerge the roots of your plants in water before planting so that they are well hydrated. If you use a large planter, leave at least half a meter between each plant to ensure that it grows properly.  

Have you got it all? Then you just have to take care of them and maintain them properly to enjoy your berries and their properties. In addition to being rich in vitamin C, iron and antioxidants, among others, some, like strawberries, for example, have anti-inflammatory properties. What more could you ask for?