The Easiest Berries to Grow for Beginners (And What to Expect!)
There is nothing better than walking to your garden and picking fresh, sun-warmed berries straight off the plant! Growing berries is one of the most rewarding gardening experiences, and the best part? Some of them are super easy to grow—even for beginners.
Not all berries require years of patience or complex care though they all do get better as the years go on. Some varieties thrive with minimal effort and start producing fruit fairly quickly. We’re going to talk about the easiest berries to grow, some pros and cons of each, and whether you can expect any fruit in the first year.
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Strawberries
Difficulty Level: Super easy!
- First-Year Harvest? Yes, but bigger harvests come in the second year.
- Pros: Quick to establish, grow well in containers, and spread to produce more plants.
- Cons: Need to be replaced every few years for best production, and birds love them as much as we do!
Strawberries are one of the most beginner-friendly berries you can grow. There are two main types: June-bearing (big harvests once a year) and everbearing (smaller harvests throughout the season). They’re great for small spaces, as they can be grown in pots, hanging baskets, or garden beds. Just be sure to cover them with netting if you don’t want to share with the birds. Another way I’ve had success keeping birds away is to keep the berry patch dense and full. That may reduce production a bit but at least you aren’t sharing your berries with as many birds!
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Raspberries
- Difficulty Level: Easy
- First-Year Harvest? Possibly, depending on the variety.
- Pros: Low maintenance, cold-hardy, and produce for years.
- Cons: Can spread aggressively, requiring some control.
Raspberries are a great choice for beginners because they don’t require much attention once established. Summer-bearing varieties produce fruit on second-year canes, while everbearing varieties can give you a small first-year harvest in the fall. They thrive in most soil types, and with just a little pruning each year, they’ll keep producing for a long time! There are thornless and thorned varieties too so pay attention to what type you are buying. I personally love that they spread aggressively so don’t view that as a Con but for some gardens that could be a problem.
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Blackberries
Difficulty Level: Easy
- First-Year Harvest? Probably not, but worth the wait.
- Pros: Hardy, long-lived, and deliciously sweet.
- Cons: Some varieties have thorns, and they need support as they grow.
Blackberries are very similar to raspberries in terms of care but tend to have larger, juicier berries. If you choose thornless varieties, they’re even easier to manage. They’ll produce on second-year canes, so patience is key, but once they get going, they’ll reward you with a delicious summer harvest for years to come.
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Blueberries
- Difficulty Level: Medium (but totally doable!)
- First-Year Harvest? Unlikely—expect to wait 2-3 years for a good crop.
- Pros: Beautiful foliage, long-lived, and incredibly nutritious.
- Cons: Require acidic soil and a bit more patience.
Blueberries are a bit more particular about their growing conditions, as they prefer acidic soil (pH 4.5-5.5). If your soil isn’t naturally acidic, you can plant them in pots with acidic potting mix. While they won’t give you much fruit the first couple of years, they’ll eventually produce loads of delicious berries and make a beautiful addition to your garden with their vibrant fall colors. Watch the care tags on these to see if they are self-pollinating or if you need to get more than one plant.
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Elderberries
- Difficulty Level: Medium (but very low maintenance once established!)
- First-Year Harvest? Unlikely—expect to wait 2-3 years.
- Pros: Highly nutritious, great for medicinal uses, and attract pollinators.
- Cons: Need multiple plants for pollination and are not typically eaten fresh due to bitterness.
Elderberries are one of the best berries to grow if you’re interested in their health benefits. The berries are packed with antioxidants and commonly used in syrups and teas to boost the immune system. These shrubs grow quickly and need little care, but you’ll need at least two plants for cross-pollination.
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Marionberries
- Difficulty Level: Easy
- First-Year Harvest? Unlikely—expect fruit in the second year.
- Pros: Large, sweet berries, disease-resistant, and vigorous growth.
- Cons: Require trellising and regular pruning.
Marionberries are a type of blackberry hybrid known for their intense flavor and juicy texture. They’re easy to grow, but they do need some trellising since their canes can get long and unruly. Once established, they’re highly productive and will provide delicious berries for years with proper pruning. I was able to get a few berries off mine the first year too!
My Final Thoughts
If you’re a beginner looking to grow berries, start with strawberries, raspberries, or blackberries (all of them hopefully!). They require minimal care and will reward you with fresh fruit relatively quickly. If you have a bit more patience and the right soil, blueberries are a great long-term investment. And if you want something unique, give gooseberries, elderberries, or marionberries a try!
Growing berries is not only a fun and rewarding experience, but it also saves you money at the grocery store. Plus, nothing beats the taste of a homegrown berry picked fresh from your own garden. Whether you’re working with a big backyard or just a few pots on a patio, there’s a berry out there for you. Berries are one of the most fun things to grow with kids too!