How to Grow Tame Blackberries

Tame blackberries, or domestic blackberries, may be any of a number of hybrid varieties. Most hybrid blackberries are genetically thornless, which makes them more pleasant to work with in the garden than their wild, brambly counterparts. Proper pruning and fertilization help them produce larger berries, too. Blackberries are winter hardy in most areas, and easy to grow. In fact, they will take over the garden if you don't keep them in check.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Blackberry plants
• Compost
• Shovel
• Mulch
• Pruners
• Support structures

1. Prepare the soil for your blackberry plants by tilling deeply, 8 to 10 inches. Mix in 1 to 2 inches of compost. Set out new blackberry plants in the spring, as soon as the soil has warmed. Blackberries can grow in almost any soil type, and they thrive in light conditions from woodsy shade to full sun.

2. Dig a planting hole large enough so the blackberry roots can be spread fully in all directions. Space the blackberry plants at least 2 feet apart in rows, with the rows at least 7 feet apart.

3. Set your blackberry plants at the depth they were previously growing. Each blackberry plant has a base, or "crown," from which the canes grow. The cane buds should be just barely below the soil surface. New blackberry plants may be purchased as one-year old canes, or they may come as potted plants, with several canes representing two years' growth.
   
   Prune back the tops of existing canes, leaving only leaf growth to provide energy for new roots and canes during the first year. In subsequent years, prune the tops and train lateral branches along the supports.

4. Use organic mulch to keep down weeds and hold in moisture. Blackberries need plenty of water. Water them at planting time, and whenever there is not at least 1 inch of rainfall per week.

5. Provide support for your blackberry plants. Fence posts with two rows of clothesline-weight wire strung between them will give you room to train your blackberry plants. An existing fence or trellis will also work for this. Tie the canes to the support and keep them from wandering.

6. Add extra mulch over the winter. While the blackberries are still dormant, prune them so they are a suitable height, no more than 7 feet tall so you can reach the fruit. Pull back the mulch when the warm days arrive.

7. In the spring, tie up wayward canes to the supports. Last year's canes are now called "floricanes" because they will bloom and bear fruit. New cane buds grow from the crown, and they will grow into this summer's "primocanes." This year's primocanes will be next year's floricanes. Berries are only borne on two-year-old canes.
   
   Prune out spent floricanes when all berries have been picked.

Tips & Warnings

• Birds will eat blackberries almost as quickly as they ripen. Use a bird-safe netting to keep them away. Japanese beetles like blackberry leaves and fruits, and common stinkbugs munch on the berries as well. A fine netting may thwart these larger insects, as well as birds.
• Use any pesticides, even organic ones, with extreme caution. Pesticides will kill indiscriminately, and you need some insects to pollinate the berry blossoms.

References

• Growing Blackberries
• Grow Blackberries
• Blackberry Growing Tips

Resources

• How to Grow Blackberries