BLACKBERRIES ARE READY FOR PLANTING NOW

Berries have become much sought after fruit and are popular additions to cakes and desserts. Blackberries (Rubus species) are easy to grow and yield a good crop of berries in the summer months. Plants need to be grown on a supporting frame of strands of wire or poles. The canes (stems) need to be tied to the supports in order for light and air to penetrate around the plants. It also makes harvesting a lot easier. Left to grow untrained, the plants can become a thorny mess that is difficult to maintain. At least 10 plants need to be planted in order to produce a viable crop for home use.

Plant in full sun and make sure that plants are fed and watered regularly during the growing season. Most berries enjoy cold climatic conditions. Named hybrid cultivars on offer.