CONTAINER BLACKBERRIES - DISAPPOINTMENTS AND SURPRISES

[@GalvestonCountyMike]

Greetings from Galveston County, TEXAS!

[@BIGALTX]

Hello there! Glad you found our channel 😎

[@ShakiraYah]

Man they look great!!! ❤❤❤ I love your system.

[@BIGALTX]

Thanks so much!

[@GrowWhereYouArePlanted]

I just planted Prime Ark Freedom and Traveler’s canes in Zone 7b. In retrospect, I am glad I planted them in a flower bed next to my house. I hope the house will help protect them from extreme cold. Thanks for keeping us updated on the blackberries.

[@BIGALTX]

I hope so too. We got down to around 0* F and below. It really hurt them

[@jennbasil]

I've had my earthboxes for 16 years. They're holding up great.

[@BIGALTX]

THAT is REALLY good to know... Thanks!

[@jennbasil]

Thanks for all your videos and teaching. I really enjoy them! #LeanderTX

[@charliecameron2551]

Thank you

[@BIGALTX]

You're welcome

[@brettoberry3586]

New subscriber. I was raised in Oregon and Blackberries were a constant problem because they grew so abundantly. The Willamette Valley has a perfect climate and plenty of fine soil and they grow like weeds. I appreciate your perspective, it would be interesting to grow some in containers as I live in AZ now. That one on the end is not like the others, for sure.

[@BIGALTX]

Thanks for the sub! I've had several folks over the years that said blackberries in Oregon were really invasive

[@gwendolynhealy2354]

Do you have a video on how you run your water line?

[@BIGALTX]

I should have one next week. I will be constructing one for containers this weekend (hopefully)

[@RESlusher]

I lost two out of three of my Poncas. They were put in the ground two or three weeks before all the snow in DFW earlier this year. :( My Natchez and Arapaho plants all did great and are in full bloom right now.

[@BIGALTX]

Sorry to hear that Full disclosure... I took my pots of Poncas in the barn during the very cold weather. They all survived.

[@RESlusher]

@@BIGALTX Mine had been in the ground a couple weeks before the snow hit. I'm gonna try to take some cuttings later in the year.

[@adctex]

You mention the life of the various tubs being less than the earth box. Likely you have thought of this, but the blue tubs (and other colors) that don't last as long as we would like them to is because of UV exposure. Fixing this problem is pretty simple.... Just protect the tubs from the sun. Use some of the landscape/weed block fabric that you show in other videos.... create a 2ft high sun shade for the tubs, especially to the west and south exposure. Really easy to do and pretty sure it would double the life of the tubs if you were to protect them from the sun's UV rays :)

[@BIGALTX]

Yes, that’s a good idea. My son-in-law did that for some blue-tubbed blackberries I gave them. Another option is to put a protectant on the plastic. Like 303 protectant. I thought about it, but the expense just doesn’t seem worth it, considering I have access to a lot of these tubs. And, I’ve already had to swap one of them out and it was pretty easy… with the blackberry plant intact.

[@sofakingphat8087]

The best blackberries I ever found was along the railroad tracks growing in the rocks. They were bigger than golf balls. It must’ve been some sort of natural hydroponics or a good drainage. My brother and I filled up several 1 gallon containers. Needless to say everyone in my family was very happy. Year after year, we’d go back to that same spot and get the berries. Some of those vines had to be about 30 foot long. Not too bad for a while blackberries. I’ve never seen anything else like it.

[@BIGALTX]

Those blackberries sound amazing. Maybe the lime from the rocks and gravel along the tracks had something to do with manipulating the pH. Not sure, but glad you got a good harvest from them.

[@BostonMountainHomestead]

What about them becoming root bound. How would you handle that

[@BIGALTX]

I've thought about it, but not sure if it's going to be a problem Since they reproduce themselves from the root system, I like the way the new "shoots" or canes are contained where I want them. I don't know if the "mother plant" keeps growing roots like other plants, or just for reproduction. If they seem to become root bound, I could always dump them out of the pot, trim off some of the roots, and replant / repack them with new potting mix. Great question, though... thanks!

[@jeffkimble8857]

I had some canes die like yours and they’re had a borer in the canes.

[@BIGALTX]

Wow... I've never had any cane borers in all my years of raising berries. Or, if I did, I didn't know what they were. Here's some good info on how to treat/prevent them: www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/gardens-gardening/your-garden/help-for-the-home-gardener/advice-tips-resources/pests-and-problems/insects/beetles/cane-borers-in-brambles.aspx

[@jeffkimble8857]

@@BIGALTX I am fortunate that my in-laws operate a farm supply business and I treated quickly. I used to be able to grow without much thought of pests and fungus. However, the longer mine are established the more issues I have. So I am pretty proactive. Appreciate your channel!

[@BIGALTX]

@@jeffkimble8857 Thanks, Jeff. Sounds like you are doing everything right!

[@jimbryson1795]

12 to 18 inch on the lateral I believe

[@BIGALTX]

Here's what Nourse Farms says on their website: "Fall-bearing or primocane blackberries respond favorably to tipping! As the primocanes reach 12-15” in height, break or cut ¾-1” off the tip of each cane to force branching. Tip again when branches reach 30”. This process stimulates earlier fruit development, keeps plant height in check, and increases yield."

[@lbeaver6807]

In your more expensive grow boxes with white cloth, are they deep enough for wicking? And can you grow potatoes and sweet potatoes in them. I have so far failed at everything I have tried. Help!

[@BIGALTX]

I sent you a message on Facebook that answers this question a little better. But yes, the white covered containers are called Earthboxes. And yes, they are wicking. They have about a 3 inch reservoir in the bottom for the water.

[@TheBzybees]

Do Ponca blackberries have some thorns? Also Apache has pink blooms.

[@BIGALTX]

No thorns on Poncas I decided to go "thornless" a few years ago 😎

[@markstuber4731]

What do you use as potting soil?

[@BIGALTX]

I use something called BM7 from a company called Burger, but any good potting mix will work. The PEAT ratio needs to be fairly high though. Make sure you get a potting mix with a PEAT percentage of about 60% or more.

[@rickymcclain9464]

Ours (not the same kind as yours) made it through the Tx freeze with little damage. Question...do you fertilize your plants in the Spring? Thanks for the help.

[@BIGALTX]

Yes we do: kzbin.info/www/bejne/a5CyeZp4rLCnf7M

[@jessicanewberry5404]

What is the pipe you have in the pots. Black one? Should I do that if so what is it I’m doing. 😂❤😊

[@BIGALTX]

Hope this helps: Here's how to get them: kzbin.info/www/bejne/iZ2kgJ9vbpqGl7M Here's how to make them: kzbin.info/www/bejne/b5jYf6KNhZ2SotU Here's my "Hybrid" tub: kzbin.info/www/bejne/qJLHeXWXo5xgeKs

[@cavehero1996]

Where do you pick these containers up at?

[@BIGALTX]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/iZ2kgJ9vbpqGl7M

[@obsessedwithhealth]

Do you prune at all?

[@BIGALTX]

You bet… Look at my playlist on Raising blackberries in Containers. I have a lot of videos about pruning in that playlist. Hope that helps! 😊

[@CraigDAL12]

How come in these containers your half inch drip line runs across the top of each container but there is no quarter inch line shooting off of it with an emitter going down the tube? I’m so confused.

[@BIGALTX]

I do that on some of my wicking tubs, but I just skipped that step on these containers. The water just filters down through the soil and fills up the water reservoir at the bottom... same as it would if I sent it down the tube. It's worked great for the last 2 years.

[@CraigDAL12]

@@BIGALTX so u just stick a 2gpm emitter in the ½” line?

[@BIGALTX]

@@CraigDAL12 Yes, I just punch a hole in the 1/2" line and pop in an emitter. Works great... and much easier than running 1/4" tubing. There is a time and place for 1/4" tubing, but if I don't HAVE to use it... I don't. Here are 2 ways I DO use 1/4" tubing: kzbin.info/www/bejne/hV6Xppmeqc6CaMk kzbin.info/www/bejne/eaGvnKyAhNKrjbM Hope that helps, alan

[@pondholloworchards]

I have a half acre of blackberries I'm going to plant, rows 200ft. What kind of trellis system would you use

[@jimbryson1795]

May want to look into the v type with t post

[@pondholloworchards]

@@jimbryson1795 that's what I'm leaning towards

[@BIGALTX]

This is the first one I made: kzbin.info/www/bejne/eovam4uIe8yFa8k This is the one I have now... I like it better: kzbin.info/www/bejne/jqTRlJhthM6DoK8

[@mmccrownus2406]

you might coat your tubs with UV protection

[@BIGALTX]

I've thought about wiping them down with 303 Protectant... but haven't yet

[@kristidyson443]

Hi! I have a prime ark 45 bush. Do you fertilize your blackberries?

[@BIGALTX]

Yes. I like to use 10-20-10 at first. Then after a couple of months I use 20-20-20 water soluble fertilizer from HOSS TOOLS, about every 10 days or 2 weeks About 1 TBS per tub, then water down the tube. Here's the video: kzbin.info/www/bejne/hZDGq2trp6aejas LEARN MORE ABOUT HOSS TOOLS HERE: bit.ly/homesteadadvisor

[@kristidyson443]

@@BIGALTX oh ok thanks. Mine is in the ground. We don’t have moles down here in Dayton, TX. So i have to do a lot of amending.

[@Bluecorner841222]

Do u think if I plant out my prime ark freedom seedling jumbo pack (from stark bros), this week, they’ll be producing something for me this year (zone 9a)?

[@BIGALTX]

Possibly a few berries, but not much. They should produce on whatever vegetation they have right now. You should see blooms now, or pretty soon. Mine are already starting their summer crop. Be careful planting this time of year. They love heat when they are mature, but when they are young, it can be hard on them. Have a plan to water often... every day or two.

[@Bluecorner841222]

@@BIGALTX thanks for your response ! I hope so they’re just little things 🌱 & thanks for the heads up I’ll keep them in the patio where it’s cooler till they get bigger ! 🌱🌸🐝

[@FunWithGardening]

Why plant in a container rather than planting in the ground?

[@BIGALTX]

I had 700 feet of blackberries in the ground a few years ago. Gophers killed them all. Gophers cannot get in these containers. And… All the new shoots coming up are contained to where they are not popping up where I don’t want them like out in the walkways of my blackberry patch. I’ll never go back to blackberries in the ground.

[@FunWithGardening]

@@BIGALTX That makes sense. Thank you for your reply.

[@movednorthhomestead7244]

I think my blackberries in the tub died...no foliage still

[@BIGALTX]

What variety of blackberries, and how cold did it get?

[@jeffkimble8857]

My freedom and travelers were damaged terribly in zone 7. Most were killed to the ground. They were supposed to be more hardy than that. 🤷🏻‍♂️

[@BIGALTX]

I don't know about Travelers, but the Freedom should probably not be planted north of Zone 8 They do OK down to the teens, but when we had -5 F they really got hurt. BUT... they are back now and doing great: kzbin.info/www/bejne/iYjIqnZ4aal7rrM

[@stevenphillip1159]

How much will u sell me a cutting off the mulberry

[@BIGALTX]

All the mulberries I had were "male". Male trees will not produce berries. So, I took them out :(

[@gwendolynztube]

Wait a hot minute.You are looking you are looking younger than 2 years ago .

[@BIGALTX]

Uhhh... WOW.... thanks a LOT! 😎

[@dianeladico1769]

Alan, I found this with respect to pruning: "Pruning: When the new shoots of erect blackberries reach thirty to thirty-six inches in height, cut off the tips. This will force branching lower on the canes and will cause the canes to thicken, making them better able to support a heavy fruit crop. During the winter, prune the laterals to twelve to fourteen inches for convenient harvesting and larger berries. In late winter, remove any remaining dead or weak wood. Leave healthy, vigorous canes spaced at six canes per linear foot." Source: www.gurneys.com/product/prime-ark-freedom-thornless-blackberry It's not from the university, but Gurney's sells them so they probably have accurate information. So it looks like you instinctually are doing exactly what's recommended-leave the main stems about 3'. It's the laterals that get pruned shorter.

[@BIGALTX]

Here's what Nourse Farms says: "Fall-bearing or primocane blackberries respond favorably to tipping! As the primocanes reach 12-15” in height, break or cut ¾-1” off the tip of each cane to force branching. Tip again when branches reach 30”. This process stimulates earlier fruit development, keeps plant height in check, and increases yield." Confusing info for sure. I just can't prune at 12"

[@dianeladico1769]

@@BIGALTX It certainly is confusing but your berries are gorgeous so you're obviously doing the right thing. Thanks for sharing so much good information. When I'm ready for my blackberries I plan to follow your lead.