Your East Bay Guide to Growing Blueberries, Blackberries, Raspberries, Boysenberries, Marionberries & Dwarf Mulberries

Late fall and early winter are prime planting seasons for berry bushes in the San Francisco East Bay. Our mild, wet winters give young plants time to build strong root systems before spring growth begins, whether you garden in San Leandro, Oakland, Alameda, Castro Valley, Hayward, or San Lorenzo.

With the right soil prep, watering, and variety selection, berries can be some of the most rewarding edible plants you grow at home. Below are practical tips for successfully planting blueberries, blackberries, raspberries, boysenberries, marionberries, and dwarf mulberries both in-ground and in containers.

Choose the Right Site

Generally, berry plants thrive in full sun—at least six to eight hours per day. Blueberries prefer sun, though they tolerate light afternoon shade in hotter East Bay microclimates. They especially appreciate consistent moisture and good drainage. Raised beds built 8–12 inches high work well to support good drainage.

Brambles (blackberries, boysenberries, marionberries, and raspberries) perform best in sunny locations with well-drained soil and should never be planted where water accumulates after rain. If you have drainage issues, create raised planting areas at least 10 inches high to help improve root health.

Soil Preparation

Berry plants respond best to thoughtful soil prep, especially in our region’s clay-heavy soils.

Blueberries

Blueberries are acid-loving plants. Incorporate an acidic planting mix such as E.B. Stone's Acid Planting Mix generously into a hole roughly 30 inches wide and 12 inches deep. One 1.5 cubic foot bag per plant is a standard recommendation for our soils. Because local native soil pH is typically quite high, use a soil acidifier for your blueberry plants annually.

Blackberries, Raspberries, Boysenberries & Marionberries

Before planting, amend soil heavily with organic matter such as GreenAll’s Planting Mix and work it into the top 7–8 inches. Plant brambles slightly deeper—1–2 inches below the soil line of their nursery containers. Skip starter fertilizers early on and wait one month before applying a low-nitrogen berry or fruit-and-veggie fertilizer .

Dwarf Mulberries

Mulberries are more forgiving but still appreciate compost-rich, well-drained soil. If planting in containers, use a quality potting mix with added organic matter.

Container Growing Tips

Blueberries are especially container-friendly if they are bred to be more compact. They often perform better in pots where soil acidity is easier to control. Use a wine-barrel-sized container for full-sized plants, or smaller pots for compact varieties.

Raspberries and blackberries can also be grown in large containers if they are bred to be more compact. But be prepared to support, prune, and manage their canes.

Mulching

All berries benefit from 2–4 inches of wood chip or bark mulch to conserve moisture, insulate shallow roots, and add organic matter. Refresh mulch both in the spring with Evergreen’s Bulk Mulch for good year-round surface coverage.

Watering Needs

Steady moisture is key to plump, flavorful berries.

• Blueberries: Keep the root zone consistently moist, not soggy. Drip irrigation can make this easy.
• Brambles: Water regularly between bloom and harvest to improve fruit size and sweetness. Established brambles typically need irrigation once a week to every 10 days, watered early in the day to prevent disease issues .

Fertilizing

Use fertilizers suited to each type:

• Blueberries: Feed with fertilizers for acid-loving plants. Avoid high-nitrogen blends.
• Brambles: Fertilize lightly. Too much nitrogen encourages weak growth and disease issues. Use a low-nitrogen fruit-and-vegetable blend about a month after planting.
• Mulberries: Apply an all-purpose organic fertilizer sparingly in spring.

Trellising & Pruning 

Blueberries & Mulberries 

Blueberries and dwarf mulberries need only light winter shaping to maintain desired height and form. Remove crossing branches and keep long or heavy foliage from drooping or touching the ground.

Blackberries, Boysenberries & Marionberries

Many gardeners use simple T-post trellises spaced 10–12 feet apart to support canes and improve harvest access. Train new growth between wires; remove excess or wandering shoots.

Raspberries

Pruning varies by type:

• Primocane-fruiting varieties are the most popular such as Caroline, Fall Gold, Heritage Red: For the simplest method, cut all canes to the ground in early spring to produce a single, high-quality late-summer crop.
• Floricane-fruiting varieties are less common and require a different technique: Keep canes intact until after harvest, then remove them at ground level. Thin new canes to 4–6 per square foot to maintain health and productivity .

Variety Selection for the East Bay

• Blueberries: Southern Highbush varieties thrive in our low-chill climate. Top performers include Sunshine Blue, Misty, Jubilee, Jewel, Sharpblue and others well-suited for home gardens here.
• Brambles: Thornless boysenberries, Thornless Black Satin blackberries, and productive raspberries like Heritage Red and Fall Gold do well in East Bay gardens.
• Mulberries: Dwarf mulberries are ideal for small yards and containers while still producing sweet, plentiful fruit.

Final Thoughts

Berry plants offer East Bay gardeners delicious fruit, pollinator-friendly flowers, and year-round visual interest. With good soil preparation, steady watering, the right varieties, and thoughtful pruning, your berry bushes can thrive for many years.

If you need help selecting berry plants for your garden, or choosing the right supplies for your berry planting project, visit our San Leandro garden center today. Our Evergreen Nursery associates are always happy to assist you on your edible gardening journey.