Planting Blackberry Bushes

This poor blackberry bush kind of became a laughing stock at my house. Why? Well… because, here we are in June and I bought it at the end of April. So what? Well… I just planted it yesterday.

I know, I know. It’s been living in the pot that I bought it in. That’s not a good thing really. The root system gets used to that size and then the plant could be stunted. But I wasn’t really sure where to plant it.

Jody came over yesterday and she and I went around planting stuff. We planted Marigolds in the garden as well as a couple of pumpkin plants. And… we planted the infamous Blackberry Bush. FINALLY. 

Some things to keep in mind when planting a Blackberry Bush:

• Plant in full sunlight. If they don’t get enough sunlight, they won’t produce as many blackberries.
• These are large plants once they get to full size, so make sure you plant them somewhere there is lots of room for them to grow.
• They need well-drained soil with a pH level of about 5.5-6.5.
• They work well with a raised bed.
• Plant in October to early spring.
• There are 2 types of blackberry plants. Trailing and Erect
  • Trailing blackberry plants require a trellis to help keep them upright.
  • Erect don’t need a trellis, but they are helpful.
• Blackberry Plants are perennial plants, but their stems, or canes, are biennial. 
  • So the first canes will only grow leaves the first year, the next year they will flower and produce fruit in year 2.
  • All new canes will follow this pattern.
• DO NOT Plant Blackberry bushes that have recently housed:
  • Tomatoes
  • Potatoes
  • Eggplant
  • Peppers
  • Strawberries
  • Any type of Berry Bush or Bramble
• Do Plant next to Blackberry Bushes
  • Garlic
    • Repels aphids, but also beetles, borers, spider mites, and weevils.
  • Grapes