Blackberry help..

thatguy · Dec 12, 2010

We have a pretty large patch of blackberries on our land.. it is so large that there is no way to get even close to the middle of the branches to pick berries..

I have a couple questions

1) I was also told that this years branches wont produce berries next year, only the new branches will...

2) Can (should??) i mow them down so when the new branches come up next year the old ones are not in the way?

3) Or should I just make paths through the bushes so you can easier pick the inside berries..

thanks

b

DennisArrow · Dec 12, 2010

Paths through the existing bushes/patch..........Berries/blooms occur on the second year growth........A new branch that grew or developed this year will bloom and bear next year......Good Luck.......Dennis

WayneB · Dec 13, 2010

If you want to do the proper thing you would first make paths through the patch and after that go in and cut out the old growth. These should be removed from the area and burned.

That is how we handle the tame blackberries that we have. It is really a pain to get in there and cut them out. Our plants / canes will reach nearly ten feet tall and are tough to pull out.

We also have tame raspberries and have to do the same with them, but it is much easier and less painful.

It is all about diseases that will effect all of the healthy canes. Our problem is it is difficult to get burn permits and we have to wait until first snow on the ground to burn them.

Wayne

sweettractors · Dec 13, 2010

WayneB said:
If you want to do the proper thing you would first make paths through the patch and after that go in and cut out the old growth. These should be removed from the area and burned.

That is how we handle the tame blackberries that we have. It is really a pain to get in there and cut them out. Our plants / canes will reach nearly ten feet tall and are tough to pull out.

We also have tame raspberries and have to do the same with them, but it is much easier and less painful.

It is all about diseases that will effect all of the healthy canes. Our problem is it is difficult to get burn permits and we have to wait until first snow on the ground to burn them.

Wayne