Growing Berries

Berries are one of the richest sources of vitamin C. In fact, dieticians tell us we should try to eat a portion of berries every day to keep our levels of infection-fighting antioxidants at a high level.

Although growing enough berries to eat fresh, can and freeze may be a gardener's dream, it is one that's demanding of garden space. Fortunately, there are ways to get a berry harvest even on tight garden lots. Try growing raspberries as a hedge along a fence.

The bright green, decoratively toothed leaves are attractive even when the plant isn't bejeweled with its berry harvest. Strawberries make good container companions for a large pot of cheerful geraniums. A blueberry bush can coexist beautifully with herbaceous plants in a perennial border.

Of course, none of these approaches will provide enough berries to allow you to reminisce over preserves when the snow flies. But at least you will have the pleasure of picking your own berries to eat right there in the garden, or to garnish a bowl of ice cream or morning cereal. Remember, no matter where you gather your berries, the berry season is fleeting.