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Garden Gate:  Growing Blackberries tips??  |
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MichelleTN
True Blue Farmgirl
118 Posts
Michelle
TN
USA
118 Posts |
 Posted - Mar 19 2006 : 09:42:39 AM
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I am wanting to buy a couple blackberry bushes. Just wondering if there is anything I should know before I make this purchase. Can they become out of control like wild blackberry bushes?
Thanks for your input!
Hugs, Michelle
http://tangledthreadsandknottedyarn.blogspot.com/ |
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celebrate2727
True Blue Farmgirl
989 Posts
Beth
MJF
Farmgirl
989 Posts |
Posted - Mar 19 2006 : 11:38:22 AM
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Funny- my dh and I were just looking at some too. He said I should find out what kind to buy and when and where to plant them. I would love input as well. I used to have raspberries and loved them. I heard of a way you can cut them back at some point in the spring and they will fruit later in the season when it is cooler. The worst was picking berries while the sweat ran down your face and the mosquitos bit the crap out of you.
blessings
beth
Dreaming of Friday Night Lights
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lonestargal
True Blue Farmgirl
607 Posts
Kristi
Texas
607 Posts |
Posted - Mar 19 2006 : 5:38:34 PM
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I'm not an expert by any means as this is the first time I'm growing them as well. I bought 2 blackberry plants back in eary December. I do have an organic gardening book and these are the main points it mentions...
planting dates: Late Winter
location: full sun
Harvest time: summer as the berries mature and are full colored, sweet and release easily. Most varieties bear fruit for about two weeks in late May through early June.
Height: 3-5 feet
Spread: far and wide if you don't control the plants.
Blackberries generally don't have a lot of problems other than redneck cane borers, anthracnose, and double blossom. The worst problem with blackberries is supposed to be controlling their aggressive spreading nature. Prune the old canes out after harvesting because they will never produce again. Keep the plants cut to form a 3 foot high hedge. Do not do any winter pruning because the buds are formed in September.
Hope this helps. My plants both have lots of new growth on them already. I hope they do well, I'm so excited to make blackberry jam and cobbler!! |
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Eileen
True Blue Farmgirl
1199 Posts
Eileen
USA
1199 Posts |
Posted - Mar 19 2006 : 6:23:56 PM
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All I can say ladies is that we have aggressive out of control blackberries of several varieties here in the pacific northwest. Brought here by imigrants and spread by the birds. The seed bed is also strong and prolific if the berries are allowed to drop to the ground as some will. They propagate themselves several ways including tip planting. This is where the tip of the cane goes to the ground and actually plants itself in the ground and forms roots and then becomes a whole new plant. n spring they trellis out as much as 6 to 12 feet per day so keeping them cut back to shrub height is tricky.
They are delicious and wonderful to eat but weigh the risks.
Eileen
Songbird; singing joy to the earth |
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DaisyFarm
True Blue Farmgirl
1646 Posts
Diane
Victoria
BC
Canada
1646 Posts |
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garliclady
True Blue Farmgirl
274 Posts
Reidsville
NC
274 Posts |
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Bridge
True Blue Farmgirl
814 Posts
Bridgette
Southern
Indiana
USA
814 Posts |
Posted - Mar 20 2006 : 07:31:48 AM
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I also have the thornless blackberry, this is my first year!! My uncle gave it to me. He said they are the best and they really produce alot of berries!
~~Bridge's Boutique~~
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Eileen
True Blue Farmgirl
1199 Posts
Eileen
USA
1199 Posts |
Posted - Mar 20 2006 : 09:01:33 AM
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I have never heard of these. I will have to go have a look.
Eileen
Songbird; singing joy to the earth |
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MichelleTN
True Blue Farmgirl
118 Posts
Michelle
TN
USA
118 Posts |
Posted - Mar 20 2006 : 7:22:51 PM
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Thank you all for your input..I was thinking of planting them in a bed made of rail road ties (is that the correct name?) anyways, that way anthing that grows outside of that bed gets cut off. I guess that my idea of keeping them in control.
Thanks again, Michelle
http://tangledthreadsandknottedyarn.blogspot.com/ |
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lonestargal
True Blue Farmgirl
607 Posts
Kristi
Texas
607 Posts |
Posted - Mar 20 2006 : 8:34:52 PM
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| I would worry about using railroad ties because of the chemicals they use to treat them. They can leak into your plants and effect your blackberries. |
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Eileen
True Blue Farmgirl
1199 Posts
Eileen
USA
1199 Posts |
Posted - Mar 21 2006 : 09:41:52 AM
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Kristi,
For your own good and that of anyone who plans to eat these blackberries or any other produce from your garden, do not grow food near railroad ties. Toxins leach out of them and into your food.
Eileen
Songbird; singing joy to the earth |
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lonestargal
True Blue Farmgirl
607 Posts
Kristi
Texas
607 Posts |
Posted - Mar 21 2006 : 2:31:44 PM
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| Yes Eileen, you're right. The main chemical that comes to me right now is kreosote (sp?). Those railroad ties have some nasty stuff in them and I personally wouldn't use them anywhere near any food/veggie garden. |
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MichelleTN
True Blue Farmgirl
118 Posts
Michelle
TN
USA
118 Posts |
Posted - Mar 22 2006 : 06:59:57 AM
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Oh, see..I am so clueless...thank you for the heads up on the railroad ties.....I just never thought about those chemicals going into the grounds...makes so much sense..see I need you all!! lol
Hugs, Michelle
http://tangledthreadsandknottedyarn.blogspot.com/ |
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lonestargal
True Blue Farmgirl
607 Posts
Kristi
Texas
607 Posts |
Posted - Mar 23 2006 : 05:58:13 AM
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| Michelle, that also goes for any pressure treated wood. So if your going to build raised beds at all use regular untreated wood, redwood or cedar is best if you can find it. I couldn't even get it in my area. You will have to replace your beds sooner, maybe 5 or 6 years depending on how severe your weather is but it's better than having chemicals leak into your food!! |
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Garden Gate: Growing Blackberries tips?? |
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Growing Blackberries tips??
