Blackberries (Rubus canadensis) are amazing to eat fresh from the plant or made into jams or pies. They’re quite vigorous growers, so ensure there’s room in the garden and also, train them to grow on a trellis – makes pruning and harvesting more manageable! Winter is a good time to think about planting blackberries - packaged blackberry canes appear in the shops at this time of year, which makes for easy transporting and planting.


How to grow Blackberries in a garden

  1. Improve the soil prior to planting by mixing in some Yates Dynamic Lifter Organic Plant Food. Good soil health and structure helps the soil hold onto moisture and nutrients; and improves plant health and growth. 
  2. Set out the dormant canes 1.5m apart, in rows 2m apart. 
  3. Canes can be tied together loosely with twine. If using a trellis or a structure for blackberries to grow on, make sure this is in place at planting time.
  4. After planting, water in well. Keep soil moist and water as required.
  5. Blackberries continue to bear for many years. Pick fruit when ripe and well coloured.
  6. Feed with Yates Thrive Citrus & Fruit Granular Plant Food in early spring and late summer. TIP: For an added nutrient boost, feed with Yates Thrive Strawberry & Berry Fruit Liquid Plant Food weekly during the flowering/fruiting season.
  7. Once or twice a year, apply Yates Nature's Way Organic Compost & Soil Improver and Yates Dynamic Lifter Organic Plant Food to maintain soil health and structure.

Growing tips

  • Blackberries should be planted in rows running north to south so canes receive plenty of sunshine.

  • Fruit can get spoilt from extreme heat and sunshine. Cover with shadecloth to protect the fruit.


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Blueberry

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