Top Fruit Bushes to Plant in February for a Sweet Harvest

Introduction

February is an excellent time to plant fruit bushes, as the cold weather encourages root establishment before the growing season begins. By starting now, you give your bushes the best chance to thrive and produce a bountiful harvest of sweet, juicy fruits in the months ahead. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced gardener, fruit bushes are a rewarding addition to any garden or allotment.

This guide will introduce you to the best fruit bushes to plant in February, explain their benefits, and provide step-by-step instructions for successful planting and care.

Why Plant Fruit Bushes in February?

1. Ideal Dormant Period: Many fruit bushes are dormant in February, making it the perfect time to plant bare-root varieties.
2. Early Root Establishment: Cooler weather allows the roots to establish before the growing season begins.
3. Longer Growing Season: Planting in February gives your fruit bushes a head start, resulting in better growth and yields.
4. Reduced Stress on Plants: Dormant plants experience less transplant shock compared to those planted later in the year.
5. Wider Availability: Nurseries often have a great selection of bare-root fruit bushes in February.

Benefits of Growing Fruit Bushes

1. Delicious Harvests

• Enjoy fresh, homegrown fruits like berries, currants, and gooseberries that are packed with flavor.

2. Low Maintenance

• Once established, fruit bushes require minimal care and produce year after year.

3. Cost-Effective

• Growing your own fruit saves money compared to buying expensive store-bought berries.

4. Supports Wildlife

• Fruit bushes attract pollinators and provide food for birds and other wildlife.

5. Versatile Growing Options

• Suitable for gardens, allotments, or even containers on patios.

Top Fruit Bushes to Plant in February

1. Blackcurrants

• Why Plant: Blackcurrants are hardy and thrive when planted in late winter.
• Benefits: High in vitamin C, perfect for jams, juices, and desserts.
• Varieties to Try: ‘Ben Hope,’ ‘Ben Lomond,’ ‘Big Ben.’
• Planting Tip: Choose a sunny or partially shaded spot with well-draining soil.

2. Raspberries (Autumn and Summer Fruiting)

• Why Plant: Bare-root canes establish well when planted in February.
• Benefits: Produce abundant, sweet berries that are perfect for eating fresh or freezing.
• Varieties to Try: ‘Autumn Bliss’ (autumn-fruiting), ‘Glen Ample’ (summer-fruiting).
• Planting Tip: Provide sturdy supports or trellises for climbing canes.

3. Gooseberries

• Why Plant: Gooseberries are hardy and grow well in February’s cool conditions.
• Benefits: Tangy berries are versatile for cooking or eating fresh.
• Varieties to Try: ‘Invicta,’ ‘Hinnonmäki Red,’ ‘Careless.’
• Planting Tip: Space bushes 4–5 feet apart in well-draining soil.

4. Blueberries

• Why Plant: Planting blueberries early gives them time to settle before the growing season.
• Benefits: Packed with antioxidants and great for snacking or baking.
• Varieties to Try: ‘Bluecrop,’ ‘Patriot,’ ‘Duke.’
• Planting Tip: Use acidic soil or ericaceous compost to ensure proper growth.

5. Redcurrants

• Why Plant: Redcurrants thrive when planted in cool weather.
• Benefits: Perfect for jams, sauces, and desserts.
• Varieties to Try: ‘Rovada,’ ‘Jonkheer van Tets.’
• Planting Tip: Space bushes 3–4 feet apart in a sunny location.

6. Whitecurrants

• Why Plant: These less common relatives of redcurrants grow well when planted in February.
• Benefits: Sweet, translucent berries ideal for fresh eating or preserves.
• Varieties to Try: ‘Blanka,’ ‘White Versailles.’
• Planting Tip: Choose a sheltered location with well-draining soil.

7. Jostaberries

• Why Plant: A cross between blackcurrants and gooseberries, jostaberries are easy to grow.
• Benefits: Sweet, tangy berries that are larger than blackcurrants.
• Varieties to Try: Jostaberry (standard variety).
• Planting Tip: Space bushes 5–6 feet apart in full sun or partial shade.

8. Loganberries

• Why Plant: Loganberries are hardy and establish well in late winter.
• Benefits: Sweet, tart berries that are excellent for cooking.
• Varieties to Try: ‘Ly 59,’ Thornless Loganberry.
• Planting Tip: Provide trellis support for climbing growth.

9. Blackberries

• Why Plant: Blackberries are resilient and can be planted in February.
• Benefits: Produce abundant fruit for eating fresh or preserving.
• Varieties to Try: ‘Apache,’ ‘Thornless Evergreen.’
• Planting Tip: Train canes on a trellis or fence for better access and airflow.

10. Tayberries

• Why Plant: Tayberries thrive in cool conditions and establish quickly when planted early.
• Benefits: Juicy, flavorful berries perfect for jams and desserts.
• Varieties to Try: ‘Buckingham Tayberry.’
• Planting Tip: Plant in a sunny location with supports for climbing canes.

How to Plant Fruit Bushes in February

Step 1: Choose the Right Location

• Select a site with plenty of sunlight (6–8 hours per day).
• Ensure the soil is well-draining and rich in organic matter.

Step 2: Prepare the Soil

• Remove weeds and debris from the planting area.
• Dig a hole twice the width of the root ball or bare-root plant.
• Incorporate compost or well-rotted manure to enrich the soil.

Step 3: Plant the Bush

• For bare-root plants, soak the roots in water for 30 minutes before planting.
• Position the plant so the base of the stems is level with the soil surface.
• Backfill the hole with soil, gently firming it down to remove air pockets.

Step 4: Water Thoroughly

• Water the plant well to help settle the soil and ensure good root contact.

Step 5: Add Mulch

• Apply a layer of mulch (e.g., straw, wood chips) around the base of the plant to retain moisture and suppress weeds.

Step 6: Install Supports (if needed)

• For raspberries, blackberries, and other climbing varieties, set up trellises or supports immediately after planting.

Care Tips for Fruit Bushes

1. Watering: Keep the soil moist but not waterlogged, especially during dry spells.
2. Fertilizing: Apply a balanced fertilizer in early spring to encourage growth.
3. Pruning: Prune annually to remove dead or overcrowded stems and encourage fruiting.
4. Weeding: Keep the area around the bushes weed-free to reduce competition for nutrients.
5. Protection: Use netting to protect fruit from birds and other pests.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

1. Planting Too Deep

• Ensure the base of the plant is level with the soil surface to prevent rot.

2. Skipping Soil Preparation

• Poor soil leads to poor growth; always enrich the soil before planting.

3. Overcrowding Plants

• Leave enough space between bushes for airflow and easy maintenance.

4. Forgetting Mulch

• Mulch helps retain moisture, suppress weeds, and improve soil health.

5. Ignoring Supports

• Many fruit bushes, like raspberries and blackberries, need support for optimal growth.

Top 10 Questions About Planting Fruit Bushes

1. Can I plant fruit bushes in February?
Yes, February is an excellent time to plant bare-root fruit bushes.

2. How deep should I plant fruit bushes?
Plant them so the base of the stems is level with the soil surface.

3. What soil is best for fruit bushes?
Well-draining soil enriched with compost or manure is ideal.

4. Can I grow fruit bushes in containers?
Yes, smaller varieties like blueberries and raspberries grow well in containers.

5. How far apart should I space fruit bushes?
Spacing depends on the type but typically ranges from 3–6 feet.

6. Do fruit bushes need full sun?
Yes, most fruit bushes require 6–8 hours of sunlight daily.

7. How do I protect fruit bushes from pests?
Use netting to protect fruit from birds and apply organic pest control if needed.

8. When will I get fruit after planting?
Most fruit bushes produce fruit within 1–2 years after planting.

9. Can I plant multiple types of fruit bushes together?
Yes, but ensure each type has enough space and the correct growing conditions.

10. How often should I water newly planted fruit bushes?
Water thoroughly after planting and keep the soil moist during dry periods.

Conclusion

Planting fruit bushes in February is a fantastic way to set your garden up for a sweet and bountiful harvest. With the right varieties and proper care, you’ll enjoy fresh, homegrown fruits for years to come. Whether you choose blackcurrants, raspberries, or blueberries, now is the perfect time to get planting.

Start your fruit bush journey this February and look forward to a delicious harvest this year!