What Type of Soil Do Blackberries Need?

Site Selection

• Blackberries are a deciduous crop that will thrive in temperate climates within U.S. Department of Agriculture plant hardiness zones 7 through 9. Select a site that is slightly elevated from the surrounding landscape on a gradual slope. If possible, protect plants from strong winds, which can damage blackberry canes. Destroy all wild blackberries within 1,000 feet. This will reduce future potential pest and disease outbreaks. Avoid sites used within the past three years to grow strawberries, tomatoes, potatoes, peppers or eggplants. These plants frequently transmit verticillium wilt, which can kill blackberry plants.

Site Preparation

• The most critical aspects of blackberry site preparation revolve around soil preparation. Prior to planting any blackberries, eliminate perennial weeds, adjust soil pH and fertility to recommended levels and build up organic matter within the soil. Begin testing and preparing soil at least six months prior to planting. Eradicate perennial weeds using herbicide, ideally during the summer while weeds are still growing. If necessary, adjust soil pH using sulfur or lime amendments. To lower pH add sulfur, to raise pH add lime.

Fertilization

• Blackberries require certain nutrients more than others. Specifically, blackberries need nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, magnesium and calcium to remain healthy and vital. For the most part, only nitrogen is required on a regular annual basis. Other essential nutrients should be applied as needed, as dictated by the results of an annual soil test monitoring. Maintain a layer of mulch or hay on top of blackberry roots. This discourages future weed growth and adds organic material to the soil as the mulch decomposes.

Planting

• Most erect blackberry varieties are established using root cuttings. Root cuttings are small pieces of roots that are dug up during the winter dormant season. Root cuttings are laid horizontally 2 to 4 inches deep in the ground. Alternatively, blackberries are also established from bare-root or container-grown plants. Plant bare-root plants and root cuttings in the winter while blackberries are dormant. Container plants may be planted any time, although early spring following any late frosts is best. Place the crown of bare-root plantings slightly lower than the surrounding soil line, carefully spreading roots. Plant containerized blackberries slightly above the soil line.