How Many Berry Plants Do You Need for a Steady Supply?
Dreaming of a Backyard Berry Patch? Here’s How Many Plants You Need!
If you’ve ever planted berries before, you might have learned the hard way that one or two plants don’t get you very far.
Maybe you picked a handful of blueberries, but never enough for a full recipe.
Or you grew strawberries, but only got a few at a time—not the overflowing baskets you envisioned.
So, how many berry plants do you actually need to grow a steady supply for your family? Let’s break it down.
How Many Plants Do You Need for Fresh Eating vs. Storage?
Strawberries
Fresh eating: 25-50 plants per person
For freezing & jam: 100 plants per person
Planting spacing:
June-bearing: 1 plant per square foot (they send out runners!)
Everbearing: 2 plants per square foot
Blueberries
Minimum: 5 plants for a steady harvest
Each plant needs 4 square feet, or can be grown in large containers
Pro tip: Blueberries need acidic soil (pH 4.5–5.5)—test and amend accordingly!
Raspberries
Fresh eating: 4-5 plants per person
For a family of four: 16-20 plants
Planting spacing: 1 plant per 2 square feet (they spread over time!)
Elderberries
Minimum: 2-3 plants for a good harvest
Each plant needs 4 square feet, or can be grown in containers
Pro tip: Elderberries need two different varieties for best pollination!
Other Factors to Consider When Planning Your Berry Patch
Harvest timing: If you want fresh berries throughout the growing season, plant a mix of early, mid, and late-season varieties.
Preserving & storage: If you love making jam, freezing fruit, or dehydrating, double or triple the recommended numbers to have plenty to store.
Garden space: Strawberries spread, raspberries multiply, and blueberries grow large—plan accordingly!
Want More Expert Berry Growing Tips?
If you’re serious about growing your own backyard berry supply, I’ve created something just for you.
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