"Growing Blackberries"
If you have the space, a bramble dividing hedge is perfect in the garden. And thornless varieties are readily available now so picking isnt such a dangerous business!  Blackberries are very hardy plants although the new hybrid varieties will be less hardy than the wild brambles that appear readily in any undisturbed patch of land. Rather like nettles, brambles will come up where you least want them, but perhaps a little adaption would be a good idea to accomodate these wonderful gifts from nature - Growing blackberries 'from the wild' and totally free is very satisfying! Blackberry leaves are high in vitamin C content and make a wonderful tisan, and the fruit of the bramble - the blackberry - is one of the sweetest tastiest fruits to eat. They are best eaten fresh, but can be made into delicious pies, tarts and crumbles, and of course jams and preserves.
If you already have a bramble patch, a little pruning and planning can turn it into a fruiting hedge for many years to come - although wear thick gardening gloves when pruning brambles. Otherwise, its probably best to go for one of the thornless varieties. Online Suppliers:
The older thorny varieties will nearly always be hardier and tend to produce more fruit for more years than the newer thornless types.  Growing Blackberries: Planting- Although I have never heard of anyone starting their blackberry patch from seed , the plants must start somewhere so it's got to be possible! However its probably quicker and more reliable to buy blackberry canes already for planting.Generally they wont need a support system, but if you wish to train them into a particular shape or keep them restricted, a few supports that they can climb on could be a good idea. Plant the blackberry plants around 5 ft ( one and a half metres ) apart and 10 ft ( 3 metres ) apart in rows - although its always best to check on planting instructions when you buy the plants. Different varieties may need different growing room. The best time to start growing blackberries and get your plants in, is in the autumn - October time is ideal. Water in well and keep weed free and watered until well established. Blackberries are very hardy plants and they are unlikely to get viruses or be attacked by bugs - with the new hybrid varieties there is always a chance so keep an eye on your new plants. Blackberries can be grown in large containers if you havent the space in your vegetable garden. Growing Blackberries: Harvesting- The worst enemy will be the birds. If you can net the plants with a bird friendly netting system just before the fruit appears, you can guarantee on a full crop. Don't use any old netting as birds can get tangled and damage their wings. Growing blackberries at home can also encourage wasps, so it may be a good idea to plant a little way from the seating areas in your gardenPick your fruit as soon as it's ripe and eat fresh, or if you have plenty, make blackberry and apple pies and crumbles, or even jams and preserves. Blackberries dont store well, although they can be frozen they are never as nice. Eat fresh or if you have a huge crop, make into jams and jellies. Grow Your Own Winter Food: A good diet incorporating plenty of fresh fruit and vegetables is a must if you want to stay fit and healthy and keep the bugs at bay during the cold winter months. ("More about growing blackberries in this wonderful book!") Growing your own winter food is just one way of ensuring you get the freshest, tastiest produce packed with goodness straight from the garden to the kitchen table. This easy-to-follow self-sufficiency book shows you how to grow your own fruit and vegetables for winter use and includes facts on each fruit, vegetable or herb as well as nutritional value, recipe ideas and storage suggestions.  Grow Your Own Winter Food is perfect for those with limited gardening experience, with gardens big or small who are looking to become more self-sufficient. Order it now direct from the publisher... Grow Your Own Winter Food Grow It, Cook It!: Many crops, including herbs, can be produced in a relatively small space with a little pre-planning and organizing: in containers, on a balcony, and indoors. Herbs are perfect for enhancing the flavour of cooking, treating minor ailments, and preventing colds and flu. Your own back garden will not only produce the best food on the planet for you and your loved ones, it is also economical, environmentally friendly and more fun than shopping. Gardening is more than a hobby; it's a way of life. .  This book provides all the information you need to keep your family and friends healthy, fit and enjoying life to the full. Order it now direct from the publisher... Grow It, Cook It! Grow Your Own Pharmacy: If, like me, you want to be able to eat the best food on the planet, grow your own!  • Clear instructions on planning, planting, growing and harvesting the fruits, vegetables and herbs required for a healthy vitamin intake. • Recipes and menus to help incorporate the fruit and vegetables into your daily diet. Grow Your Own Pharmacy Herbs and Spices: Some herbs grow vigorously, some are tender and need special growing conditions, some are annuals, some perennials, some you can grow indoors, all can be grown in pots or directly into the ground. There are also certain spices, such as chillies, that can be grown in temperate climates.  This clear and concise directory of herbs and spices provides all the essential information to help you grow a selection of these flavour-enhancing foods in small or large spaces. Ideas for which herbs and spices go best with which foods also accompany each description, so that you can really enliven your repertoire of recipes. Order it now direct from the publisher... Herbs and Spices Granny's Book Of Good Old Fashioned Common Sense is packed full of great ideas and tips. Granny brings traditional home-making up to date with cooking, gardening, needlecrafts and even games to play with the kids...Click on the link below to order your copy.  Cooking doesn’t have to be a chore and preparing nourishing home cooked meals for the family will certainly keep them away from the goodie shelf. Gardening encourages physical exercise and a good healthy dollop of fresh air. And you can get the kids involved too. Before the days of computer games and electronic pets, children used to have fun without rummaging about in the fridge every five minutes. Enjoy a few rainy-day games and crafts of yesteryear with today’s kids. They’ll love it and so will you! Granny's Book Of Good Old Fashioned Common Sense Wild Blackberries or Domestic?
How many of us cut down offending brambles and then buy blackberries in the supermarket?! Have you tamed a bramble patch? What Other Visitors Have SaidClick below to see contributions from other visitors to this page...
Blackberry in the Tropical
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