Soil Preparation for Honeyberry Plants

Preparing your soil before you plant will greatly improve your honeyberry plant’s performance and promote healthy, vigorous growth. We recommend that you have your soil tested prior to planting, and even annually after planting, to determine if there are any nutrient deficiencies that may affect the growth of your honeyberry plants. This will help you determine if you should fertilize to supplement nutrients that may be lacking. You can use one of our digital soil meters to test your soil, including its pH and moisture levels, or collect a soil sample to send to your local cooperative horticultural extension who will be able to run a more comprehensive soil test.

The goal of soil preparation is to give new honeyberry plants a strong foundation for their future growth and development. This may include replenishing vital minerals and nutrients with fertilizers or organic matter, and breaking up and loosening currently compacted soils.

NOTE: This is part 5 in a series of 11 articles. For a complete background on how to grow honeyberry plants, we recommend starting from the beginning.

Latest Articles & Videos

Why You Can’t Eat Raw Elderberries (and How to Enjoy Them Safely) Basket of Elderberries
Why You Can’t Eat Raw Elderberries (and How to Enjoy Them Safely) Elderberries are a powerhouse fruit—packed with antioxidants, vitamin C, and immune-boosting properties. They’re a favorite for homemade jams, syrups, and even wine. But if you’re growing elderberries for the first time, you may be surprised to learn that you shouldn’t eat elderberries raw right off the bush.
When to Pick Asian Pears: Harvesting Tips for Crisp, Juicy Fruit Picking an Asian Pear
When to Pick Asian Pears: Harvesting Tips for Crisp, Juicy Fruit Asian pears are a favorite among home orchard growers for their crisp texture, refreshing sweetness, and long storage life. But unlike European pears, which are often harvested firm and ripened indoors, Asian pears ripen fully on the tree. Knowing exactly when to pick Asian pears is the key to enjoying them at their very best.
Summer Raspberry Pruning Tips with Matt Lebon of The Foodscaper Prune summer raspberries
Summer Raspberry Pruning Tips with Matt Lebon of The Foodscaper In this helpful walk-through video, Matt joins the Stark Bro’s team to show exactly how to prune raspberry plants during the summer months, explain what to cut (and what not to), and share some pro tips for maximizing fruit production while keeping your patch tidy.
Backyard Orchard Tour: Growing Fruit in Small Spaces with Stark Bro’s Team Member Katie B Garden Tour
Backyard Orchard Tour: Growing Fruit in Small Spaces with Stark Bro’s Team Member Katie B If you’ve ever wondered whether you can grow fruit trees or berries in a small backyard, Stark Bro’s team member Katie B is here to show you it’s absolutely possible — and incredibly rewarding. In her St. Louis suburban home, Katie has transformed her backyard and side yard into a productive, thriving garden filled with fruit trees, berry plants, and even backyard quail.