Planting Your New Blackberry Bush

Planting:

  • Choose your spot wisely - Blackberry bushes need plenty of sunshine, at least 6 hours a day, and well-draining soil.
  • Get the soil right - Before planting, amend the soil with compost or well-rotted manure to boost fertility. Make sure to remove any weeds or grass from the planting area.
  • Plant it properly - Dig a hole that's deep enough to cover the roots and twice as wide as the root ball. Place the plant in the hole and backfill with soil, taking care not to plant the crown too deep.
  • Give it a drink - After planting, water the bush thoroughly to help settle the soil and get roots growing.
  • Mulch it up - Apply a layer of mulch around the base of the bush to conserve moisture, suppress weeds, and regulate soil temperature.

 

 Care:

  • Keep an eye out - Be on the lookout for pests like aphids and diseases such as powdery mildew. Treat promptly if necessary.
  • Water as needed - Blackberry bushes need regular watering, especially during dry periods. Keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged.
  • Train the canes: Train the new canes to grow along a trellis or support system to keep the plant under control and make harvesting easier.
  • Prune with purpose - Blackberries produce fruit on first-year canes, so it's important to prune out old canes each winter and leave new canes to fruit in the second year.
  • Fertilize regularly - Give the bush a balanced fertilizer in the spring before new growth starts and repeat every few months during the growing season.