Care and Maintenance for Blackberry Bushes

Planting

• When planting a blackberry bush, choose a spot that receives full sun for all or the majority of the day. The soil needs to be fertile and well-drained. Improve the soil if necessary by mixing in natural compost such as peat moss. Till the soil, and mix the compost in as deeply as the roots will be planted for best results. Planting needs to be done in early spring, when there is no danger of another frost.

General Care

• Sufficient water is necessary for proper fruit production in a blackberry bush. One to 2 inches of water needs to be added to the soil each week under normal conditions. Soil that is allowed to dry out a lot between watering will cause a lack of fruit production.
  Keep the area around the bush weed free to avoid overcrowding. A layer of mulch or pine straw placed around the plant will prevent weed growth and will also hold moisture into the soil.
  Fertilize the blackberry bush once a year in early spring. Use a formula that is 10-10-10 or another general purpose type. If you are using mulch around the plant, use more fertilizer than directed to allow more to get to the roots of the plant.
  Prune the bush during summer months to allow for new growth and better light penetration. Old canes that have gray peeling bark need to be cut off at the base of the plant. Trim other bushes to control the growth and shape of the bush as needed. When new canes reach a height of 4 feet, new growth needs to be pinched off at the top to cause the cane to grow side branches. This will allow for more fruit production.

Pests and Disease

• Blackberry bushes are prone to insect infestation and other diseases. To prevent disease, remove any wild bushes that are growing near the plants. Other steps that will help to prevent disease include regular trimming to allow for good airflow and keeping the area weed-free to prevent pests from other plant sources.
  If disease or insect infection is found, pesticides are available at any garden-supply store or nursery.