Add berry bushes to your garden or yard for a delicious and nutritious addition to your edible landscape! Here are 5 easy berries to try growing…

Growing fruit can sometimes seem challenging or intimidating to the home gardener. However, it can be easier than you think – especially if you start with something small, like berries. Your garden will be especially delightful when you include berries, which are some of nature’s finest offerings! If you are trying to decide which berries to start with, here are a few ideas.

1. Raspberries

One of the most popular berries, raspberries are an enjoyable addition to many people’s gardens. Raspberries are not only delicious, but they also provide an array of nutrients, including vitamin C, vitamin B6, manganese and magnesium. Raspberries also provide dietary fiber, which helps fight constipation, high cholesterol, heart disease and diabetes, among many other diseases and conditions.

Raspberries are a tasty addition to baking, such as in muffins and breads. With a beautiful red or purple hue, they also add a pleasing amount of color to whatever you put them in. Try something new, such as raspberry cookies, for a bit of variety, or make a simple and delicious raspberry jam!

2. Blueberries

Blueberries are considered to be one of the greatest sources of antioxidants. Antioxidants assist in fighting free radicals in your body that cause cell damage. Blueberries are also a great source of flavonoids, which help to preserve memory function.

Blueberries are also delicious in baking, whether they are in muffins, pancakes or cobbler. They freeze well, and taste great in smoothies. Blueberry sauce or syrup is yet another way to get the most out of this delicious fruit.

3. Strawberries

Strawberries are a wonderful addition to your garden. They can be grown in a variety of ways, from garden beds to containers and hanging baskets. They have been called a superfood, and for good reason. This beautiful, bright berry boasts 150 percent of the daily requirement of Vitamin C in only one cup!

Strawberry pie is always a popular creation. Strawberries are also a nice fruit to add to your picnic basket, and can be dipped in chocolate for a special touch. Slice them and sprinkle them on yogurt or cake to add some flavor, color and a healthy dose of nutrients.

4. Blackberries

Blackberries are definitely worthy of consideration when planning your garden. They are a very easy fruit to grow. However, because viruses can be common in blackberries, be sure to obtain yours from a trusted source with a good reputation. The variety of antioxidants and vitamins in blackberries help prevent cancer and a number of other diseases.

How to use your blackberries? First of all, they make delicious jam and jelly. Blackberries also taste great in trifles, and even tossed into a salad.

5. Gooseberries

Although not as well known as some of the other berries (at least in the U.S.), gooseberries make a great addition to your garden or yard!  Gooseberries contain many antioxidants, vitamins and minerals which contribute to health and wellness. Some of the conditions that these nutrients combat are aging, inflammation, cancer and neurological diseases.

There are many types of gooseberries, and a number of uses for them. Gooseberries make a delightful and unique pie. These berries can be made into cordials, and sweet or savory sauces as well.

There are many different types of berries that can be grown for your enjoyment. Consider trying to include at least a few different varieties in your garden or yard as an edible landscape addition. Do your research and find out how to grow them organically for maximum health benefits. Try the ones listed, and then use them in as many different ways as possible when they are ready to enjoy!