How to Prune Blackberries

By eHow Home & Garden Editor

Rate: (14 Ratings)

Blackberries are ideal for the home gardener because they're so easy. The challenge comes in keeping the rambunctious canes within bounds so they don't engulf the neighborhood. It's a simple process, though, and a great activity for anyone who enjoys puttering.

Instructions

Difficulty: Easy

Things You’ll Need:

Step1
Cut all first-year canes back to 3 feet in midsummer with bypass pruners to encourage lateral branching.
Step2
Tie each lateral branch to a horizontal support, such as a trellis, with twine as it grows if you've planted a trailing variety (or if you simply prefer to grow an upright variety on supports).
Step3
Prune each lateral branch to about half its length in late winter or early spring; then, after harvest, cut to soil level all canes that have borne fruit.
Step4
Keep an eagle eye out for new plants, and keep canes thinned to about 6 inches apart.

Tips & Warnings

  • If they're pruned steadily, upright blackberries can stand on their own, though many gardeners grow them on trellises or fences as a matter of convenience or aesthetics. Trailing blackberries, though, need the support of a sturdy fence or trellis.
  • Boysenberries, loganberries, tayberries and wineberries, all of which grow on trailing canes, are varieties of blackberries.
  • Blackberry thorns can inflict painful wounds. Whenever you work around them, or any bramble fruit, wear thick leather gloves; long, sturdy jeans or trousers; and a long-sleeved shirt. To avoid direct contact when you're pruning, grasp the canes with long-handled barbecue tongs.

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eHow Article: How to Prune Blackberries

eHow Home & Garden Editor

eHow Home & Garden Editor

Category: Home & Garden

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