Blackberries are one of the most widely cultivated types of berry plants out there, and they’re certainly one of the most popular overall – and with very good reason, too. Blackberries are one of the best possible things you can add to your diet, and they’re known for being higher in vitamin C than oranges and a rich source of all the antioxidants that you need to get to your daily recommended diet.
They’re one of the easiest berries to grow, and if you take good care of your plants they can be fruitful for up to ten years or more; as long as they’re subject to the right conditions, blackberry plants can thrive in almost any possible conditions and in most parts of the world.
Wouldn’t you really love to pick your own blackberries in your own garden rather than having to buy them at the store?
Here are 8 easy essential care instructions for planting and maintaining blackberries in your garden.
1. Preparing the Soil
Preparing the soil is one of the most important first steps for any gardener no matter what they might be planting, and the same is obviously true for planting blackberries. Never assume that the soil conditions in your garden are already optimal, especially not when you’re trying to introduce a new plant to your garden that might not be used to the soil conditions – this can be a killer for new plants.
Having said this, preparing the soil in preparation for planting blackberries is relatively simple. First, start off by selecting the best spot for your plants – for blackberries, the plants prefer access to full (but not harsh) sun – and from there, loosen the soil and remove any rocks, stems or weeds.
Once you’ve done this, the next essential step is adding all-organic compost to the soil, mixing it in and testing the pH of the soil to ensure it’s optimal for blackberries.