Question
QUESTION: Hi, CoachDave,

What kind of berry bushes would be okay to grow in Hawaii?  I don't know much about gardening but am interested in growing berries in a large pot.  My backyard gets the sun half of the day.  I know that my local Walmart sells raspberry, blackberry, and a few types of blueberries and I really like blueberries but I'd like to grow something that doesn't have much problems maintaining as well.

ANSWER: Howdy Sean,

I'm Coach Dave and I work for The Home Depot. Growing berries is a bit tricky first time around, but when you get the hang of it, you'll be showing your friends how.

First you need to find your "hardiness zone". Hawaii has  anywhere from 9 to 11 hardiness zone so check out: http://www.usna.usda.gov/Hardzone/hawaii.html to find which is yours. This will also help you decide what you might want to plant.

In terms of what people usually try here are some ideas: There are "Seascape" strawberries that do well in most parts of Hawaii. "Ouachita" and "Triple Crown" blackberries do well in most areas of Hawaii. I've heard "Autumn Bliss" fall red raspberries do great too.

I've found that most reputable garden centers usually sell plants that are within the hardiness zones. This is especially helpful in making your decisions, so the thinking is already done for you.

When you've make your decisions on berries, make sure you get the right soil. Most berries thrive in a soil that is very "acidic". Also make sure you have plenty of drain holes at the bottom of the pots.  With a little trimming during winter you will have a nice plant with delicious fruit.

One last bit of information is to chat with other local gardeners. Local colleges and aisles of local nurseries are great places to start. Who knows?, you might develop a friendship or two with other berry growers.

If you have more questions don't be shy, let us know.

Yours Respectfully,
Coach Dave


---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Thanks for the helpful response, Coach Dave.  While we're on the subject of berries, how much soil depth do blueberries, raspberries, and blackberries typically need for their roots?  The biggest pot I have is 1 ft high and a little more than a foot across, but I'll probably choose blueberries since I enjoy these the most.

Answer
Howdy again,
The question about soil depth is really quite simple.  I recommend you always put the plant at the same depth the plant was in the pot.  This means is the plant was in a container about 1 feet deep, about 16 to 18 inches deep is fine.

I would use the extra 2 inches for sand to keep the water from gathering and creating fungus on the newly planted roots.

Hope this is clear and easy to understand.
Coach Dave