Steven M

How and when to prune thornless blackberries is one of those things that seems complicated until you actually understand what the plant needs.   The best time to prune thornless blackberries is late winter or early spring while the plants are still dormant, before new growth starts pushing out.   And the how is simpler … Read more

How and when to prune blackberry bushes depends on the type you’re growing, because floricane and primocane varieties have completely different timing needs.   If you prune blackberry bushes at the wrong time, you’ll cut away the very canes that would’ve given you fruit that season.   The good news is that once you understand … Read more

You should prune blackberry vines in late winter or early spring while the plants are still dormant.   The best time to prune blackberry vines depends on the type you’re growing, but most varieties respond well to dormant-season pruning.   If you prune blackberry vines at the right time, you’ll get bigger harvests, healthier canes, … Read more

A blackberry bush does not strictly need full sun to grow, but it absolutely needs full sun to thrive and produce a heavy crop of sweet berries.   If you’ve been wondering “does a blackberry bush need full sun?” the short answer is: yes, for the best results, full sun is ideal.   Blackberry bushes … Read more

The best time to plant blackberries is in early spring or late winter while the plants are still dormant.   Blackberries are surprisingly forgiving, but timing really does matter if you want strong root establishment and a solid harvest.   If you’ve been wondering how and when to plant blackberries, the short answer is simple: … Read more

A blackberry bush does not strictly need a trellis to grow, but using one makes a huge difference in how healthy and productive your plant will be.   Blackberry bushes are naturally trailing or semi-erect plants, and without support, they’ll sprawl across the ground where they’re more prone to rot, pests, and disease.   So … Read more

Yes, you should store blackberries in the fridge if you want them to stay fresh longer than a day or two.   Fresh blackberries are delicate, and leaving them out at room temperature speeds up spoilage fast.   The cool temperature of your refrigerator slows down the ripening process and helps prevent mold from taking … Read more

Yes, a blackberry bush has thorns.   Those sharp prickles are one of the first things people notice when they reach in to grab a ripe berry.   But not all blackberry bushes are created equal, and some modern varieties barely have thorns at all.   If you’ve ever wondered whether a blackberry bush has … Read more

Yes, you should wash blackberries before making jam.   This simple step removes dirt, pesticides, and those tiny hidden critters that sometimes hang out in fresh berries.   If you’ve been wondering whether to wash blackberries before making jam, the answer is a clear yes, and it’s easier than you might think.   In this … Read more

Yes, you can soak blackberries in salt water to remove bugs, dirt, and debris before eating or cooking them.   It’s a simple trick many home cooks and foragers use, especially if the berries came from a garden or a pick-your-own farm.   Soaking blackberries in salt water helps draw out tiny insects that might … Read more