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, 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 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, 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

You should refrigerate blackberries if you want them to last more than a day or two.   Fresh blackberries are delicate, and leaving them out at room temperature speeds up spoilage fast.   If you’ve ever wondered whether you should refrigerate blackberries or just leave them on the counter, the answer is almost always the … Read more

Yes, you can cut back blackberry bushes in winter, and for many gardeners, it’s actually the best time to do it.   Blackberry bushes go dormant during the colder months, which means you can prune them without stressing the plant too much.   In fact, winter pruning is one of the most important tasks for … Read more

You need a trellis for blackberries, and here’s why that simple structure makes such a big difference. Blackberry plants are natural climbers, and without something to climb on, they’ll sprawl across the ground in a tangled mess. That messy growth makes harvesting harder, invites disease, and reduces your overall yield. So yes, if you want … Read more

Yes, you can cut back blackberry bushes in the fall, and for many home gardeners, it’s actually one of the best times to do it.   Fall pruning helps tidy up the canes, remove spent floricanes, and set your plants up for a strong growing season next year.   But before you grab your shears, … Read more

Wild blackberries can have worms, but it’s not as common as you might think.   The worms you might find in wild blackberries are usually the larvae of fruit flies or beetles, and they’re generally harmless if accidentally eaten.   Still, if you’ve ever been out picking wild blackberries and noticed something wiggling, you’re not … Read more