Blackberries

Cultivated Blackberries have the advantage over wild ones in that they tend to have larger and sweeter fruits, and many varieties are thornless making it easier to pick.

They do require quite a bit of space but can be grown along a fence. Thornless varieties are not as vigorous.

Blackberries fruit from later summer onwards. Pick as the fruit ripens without any stalks.

Cultivation

• They prefer a sunny spoy but will tolerate partial shade.
• Prepare the soil by adding plenty of organic matter.
• The canes can be planted in winter or spring.
• Plant 3.5m-4.5m/12-15ft apart.
• Do not plant deeply, the soil should just cover the roots.
• Mulch in spring with manure.

Pruning

• Cut out all old fruiting stems and tie in new growth.

Uses

• The fruits have many culinary uses and can be frozen, bottled or preserved.