Blackberry Growth Requirements

Sun and Soil

• Pick a site for your blackberry that has access to full sun. While blackberries can grow in partial shade, full sun is best. For the soil, make certain it has good drainage. Blackberries aren’t picky when it comes to soil type, but they like soil pH to range between 5.5 and 7. The most important thing is to make sure the area you choose has good drainage.

  Keep in mind what you had planted in an area before you plant the blackberry there. Plants like strawberries, raspberries, tomatoes and peppers are susceptible to similar diseases and bugs as your blackberry. To plant your blackberry where you had peppers planted the year before would increase the risks of your plant getting diseases or pests.

Site Preparation

• If your soil is heavy in clay or sand content, you can till in organic matter like compost, manure or leaves, or create raised beds to improve the soil quality. Eradicate weeds by pulling up or killing with an herbicide before they go to seed.

  It’s best to plant your blackberry bush as early as possible in the spring. Space trailing cultivars 4 to 8 feet apart and erect cultivars 2 to 4 feet apart. Use trellises to support your blackberries, as it makes both care and harvesting easier.

Care

• Basic care for blackberries entails three things: fertilizing, cultivation and watering. Fertilizing should be done early spring as soon as you notice new growth. If choosing manure, apply late fall or early winter, as applying it too early in the fall encourages growth and makes your plants more susceptible to damage in the winter.

  To keep weeds at bay, you can mulch once the plants are established. If using herbicides, make certain to use one that is safe for blackberries. Water needs for blackberries range around the 1 inch per week mark. Irrigate when natural rainfall comes to less than an inch. Hot or windy conditions may make it necessary to water more.

  During the planting year, don’t let your plant produce, as that weakens the plants. By waiting that first year, you will get more fruit the following years. In addition, minimal pruning is necessary to help encourage your blackberry to branch out.