Growing Blackberries Part 1 ~ PLANTING

[@purplechickenfarm9298]

"about twice as long as I'd leave an oreo cookie in milk". Totally legit, made me laugh out loud.

[@BIGALTX]

+Paula Taylor Too long and it gets squishy... the Oreo... not the berry plant... : )

[@KingArtexerxes]

TexasPrepper2 To me, that means to never use any presoaking because I hate cookies dipped in milk.

[@michaelhaveson5342]

We are HUGE fans of Nourse Farms. Great quality and price. Thanks for the videos!

[@KB-bz8fh]

I’m seriously addicted to this channel now!!! I’m so excited to start this.

[@BIGALTX]

Yay... another ADDICT!!! Seriously... nice to have you around. Hope you learn something. alan

[@patriots1needed]

Thank you for posting. While many would say dip for 10 or 15 seconds, I greatly appreciated the Oreo cookie analogy. You speak my language! Blessings to you and your family.

[@JeffBourke]

Thanks for your videos. Wild blackberries are a huge pest in Southern Australia but the fruit, especially from cultivated varieties is so delicious!

[@NikkiLee0076]

Glad to see you have a NEW blackberry video up!

[@BigCarmine]

When I lived in Texas (Austin/Waller County), it was no problem growing blackberries, the problem was how to keep them from taking over the entire farm. When I first bought the property I thought I had a giant blackberry "tree" in the middle of one pasture. Turned out to be 2 small buildings and a cattle pen.

[@BIGALTX]

Wow... THAT is invasive These are cultivated so I don't think they are as bad about taking over as wild berries

[@BigCarmine]

@@BIGALTX Once I got them cut way back and down to a reasonable size it was pretty easy to keep them pruned back and under control. And of course once I got them to that point they would just load up with berries like crazy.

[@mojoe60]

nourse farms is about an hour and 15 minutes from where i live and i never heard of them. thank you for the blackberry videos i planted my first ones last year.

[@shawnlockett4676]

thanks for the info I live in Florida now and trying some fruits and berries this year

[@tater357]

Can't wait to see how yours turns out. I'll get to compare it with how mine do right along side.

[@Thelittleduchess]

I love the quotes in the beginning of your videos

[@BIGALTX]

Thank you! 😎

[@Mrplace001]

We ordered from Norse this year too. I really like the Freedoms that came bare root. Came with a nice thick cane and bare root. Planted two weeks ago, and notice they had buds just before the rain started this weekend. Didnt see the Travelers until your video. Great videos, keep up the great work.

[@BIGALTX]

+Mrplace001 Yep, the Freedom's from Nourse had a GREAT root system. I've got 10 in the ground.

[@russellb2464]

@@BIGALTX how did these end up? Are they still doing well? I’m in Spicewood

[@BIGALTX]

@@russellb2464 I am growing blackberries in containers now, and they are doing great: kzbin.info/www/bejne/l3imk4J5icR8d6M

[@jtharp9265]

We bought miracle grow dirt & top soil to mix with our dirt here in Texas..thank u Josette Tharp

[@BIGALTX]

You're welcome... Sounds great!

[@OsoBear20]

Great Video, can't wait to see the results.

[@jtharp9265]

We paid $98 each peach tree & $39 for both blackberry & $47 for 2 blueberry but they are in 2 gallon pots ....we dug holes now planting tonight ......thank u

[@BIGALTX]

That is awesome! I hope it's not too hot right now where you are. Heat can stress new transplants out a lot. I usually wait till fall (Nov / Dec)

[@jtharp9265]

@@BIGALTX so should we keep them in the pots in our screen room on bk deck ? Thank u

[@BIGALTX]

@@jtharp9265 I always just keep them in partial shade under a tree. Not sure about the porch or not... might work.

[@theblissgarden]

Just got Traveler, Kiowa and Triple Crown from Stark Bros. Thanks for this tutorial

[@BIGALTX]

You bet... glad to help!

[@jtharp9265]

Hi , watching as many video possible for our area , planting 2 peach trees , 2 blackberry 2 blueberry from SC ....fast growing trees

[@BIGALTX]

Great 👍

[@MerriweatherMcWiggan]

I appreciate your Oreo style dunking time...😋

[@jimh3500]

Another fine video.

[@Tocijr]

Your videos are awesome thanks for the info you post

[@zemry]

Great blackberry series!

[@BIGALTX]

Thanks so much... Stay safe!

[@slashbackentertainment7244]

i just had a couple of fully grown blackberry vines donated to me from my son's mother. i transplanted them fully grown, but Im wondering if I should expect a crop from them this year or not?

[@BIGALTX]

Yes, I would think they will bear this year.

[@kriswhite1344]

Great information...

[@BIGALTX]

Glad it was helpful!

[@ToddBossaller]

great video! Can't wait to see how these grow for you.

[@jeannemiller306]

Where did you get the good looking compost....plants look good and healthy

[@BIGALTX]

Wood chips, Wood chips, Wood chips. Several years of DEEP wood chips kzbin.info/www/bejne/qJStemxql55phMU

[@Stand4Good]

Good morning! I’m in zone 8b Washington state. I just dug up about 15 baby blackberry plants that are growing randomly throughout my yard. I currently have them in small pots. I want to trellis plant them. When should I plant them in the ground?

[@BIGALTX]

In zone 8B I would probably plant them in November or December. That’s my zone too 8B in East Texas.

[@pugsrock3171]

Alright! Thanks for the videos! I am planning on planting blackberries, and I live near Austin, do I have a chance, or do we have too harsh winters? Thanks !

[@BIGALTX]

They should do GREAT in Austin. I am planting ALL my blackberries in containers now. Here's my Playlist: kzbin.info/aero/PLutBw50GI1zw9M4UxWAN3n9yeJ_WYS8TD

[@1973jamie1]

Hey just wondering what the solution is your dipping your plants into. Just got my plants today and wanting to plant them. Thanks!!

[@BIGALTX]

It came with the plants - Agrigel Watch at 1:45

[@1973jamie1]

Damn, how did I miss that lol. Thanks!!

[@bullmastiffluna4045]

I really appreciate your growing blackberries videos. They motivated me to plant 25 triple crown plants this year in my back yard. They are all growing now and look great. I'm in coastal NC and this plant was recommended for my area. I have read that blackberries need full sun and also have read partial is OK too. Can you tell me which is right? Thanks, Bill

[@BIGALTX]

+Bullmastiff Luna Mine seem to really LOVE the sun... even scorching summer sun in TX... I would think the more sun the better, but maybe they can tolerate a little shade.

[@jtharp9265]

@@BIGALTX I'm glad to hear they love our heat here .....thank u Josette Tharp in Montgomery County, Texas

[@KrazyKajun602]

Great video, do you every provide fertilizer to them?

[@BIGALTX]

I mulched them very heavily, but didn't fertilize very often, maybe once a year with a little 13-13-13 alan homesteadadvisor.com/

[@ethancarter764]

Check out Boston mountain nurseries the are under $2 a plant there.

[@BIGALTX]

+Ethan Carter The Prime Ark plants are 3 to 4 dollars... depending on how many you buy... still... a good price, thanks

[@derrickhart1976]

Can you just plant a whole blackberry in the ground? Will it grow?

[@josha963]

Do I need to raise or bed up my rows before planting the blackberries or is it ok to plant them even with the ground height?

[@BIGALTX]

Absolutely. You can plant them ground level. Don’t plant them too deep though. Whatever level the soil is in the pot that you receive plant them at that level in the Earth. Remember, the old adage… “Plant them low and they won’t grow, plant them high and they won’t die. “

[@josha963]

@@BIGALTXthank you! I’m going to plant them even with the ground then. I’m planting an acre of them in the spring, up here in eastern Washington. Thanks for the reply and all the videos!

[@eltoronegro]

I understand you're in East Texas. I am going to be starting black berries from scratch and would love to visit you. I am close to College Station and would love to come see your place and pick your brain. Is that a possibility? I don't want to be a bother but I have enjoyed your videos and commentary. Thanks.

[@BIGALTX]

Afraid you might be disappointed considering the long trip... I'm about 3 hours from you. Not much to see right now. The berries have stopped producing. It's about time to prune out the old canes, but it's so hot I may wait till fall. I have a Playlist that answers most of your questions about blackberries, but if there's something that I didn't cover, I'd be happy to answer your questions. Here's the playlist: kzbin.info/aero/PLutBw50GI1zw4o2K4wXDuUvB3GaD3hfmK

[@leepatricksupples33]

What's the solution that you dipped them in at the beginning

[@BIGALTX]

Dip-N-Grow It is a rooting hormone. The link to it should be below the video.

[@jameskocks4734]

dipping an oreo and a blackberry plant. we were brothers in another life.

[@BIGALTX]

May be... :)

[@MrPenguinLife]

I just watched your video and as chance would have it I just planted about half a dozen Prime Ark Travelers myself in mid February here in west central Louisiana, along with about a dozen Ouchita's, and half a dozen Osage all as bare roots from Simmons. (I also just added 4 more Sweetie Pie Blackberries last week that had been under a grow light for a few weeks as they came in as rather small plugs, but are were about the size of yours when I planted them in the ground). So far the Prime Ark Travelers are out growing the Ouchita's about 2 to 1, and the Osages nearly 3 to 1 in size, and I was wondering if you are also seeing such growth? p.s. I used similar planting techniques, mixed in pine compost with soil to lower the pH, we do have slightly better soil here though, but it runs around 7.0 for pH and I was also lazy about the hole digging and used a auger bit on the tractor (it was already hooked up), also I am using soaker hoses for irrigation timed for 20-30 min every 3 days.

[@BIGALTX]

+Ike Stewart Since the Travelers were plugs and the Freedom's were bare root, I really don't know if there's a difference... it's kind of an apples/oranges comparison. Glad yours are doing great. Sounds like you are doing everything right...

[@dumbfoundedhuman8697]

Will you be open to the public this year. If so how do I get your location I am a fan of your blackberry videos in fact the inspiration behind my blackberry enthusiasm! Can't wait to see the results of the new varieties.

[@BIGALTX]

+DumbfoundedHuman Where are you located?

[@dumbfoundedhuman8697]

I'm near Waxahachie.

[@BIGALTX]

+DumbfoundedHuman I'm about 2.5 hours from you. I will probably only be open 3 days a week. I'm not really opening to the public, but to friends, family and a few others. You're welcome to come, but can't promise how many berries will be available. There aren't as many this year since I killed 2 rows to plant the new varieties.

[@adriangarcia5611]

Hello how's it going I really enjoy watching your videos an my favorites are about your black berries an I just started my own black berry patch an I was wondering in the fall when the leaves fall off do you rake them up or just let them sit an decompose over then winter thx a lot for all the videos

[@BIGALTX]

I just let them lay there to become compost

[@adriangarcia5611]

+TexasPrepper2 great thx

[@BrittonFarmsHomestead]

We just got in our order of bare root black berries they are dormant right now. My question is we are in GA and still have several week till out last frost date. Do we need to wait closer to spring to plant them or can we plant them now while they are still dormant average temp right now if around 40 to 50 degress daily and the low at night is about 25 to 30 degrees. Any suggestions or help would be apprecaited.

[@BIGALTX]

I think I would plant now, but not sure. I'm in Zone 8. I would plant right now in Z8. I think since they are dormant, they will be fine...

[@BIGALTX]

If it gets REAL cold in future weeks... mulch them heavily, but don't bury the tops

[@BrittonFarmsHomestead]

@@BIGALTX I am in Zone 7B

[@BIGALTX]

I think you'd be ok to plant now... just mulch for insulation

[@Dynaglide92rc]

I am getting ready to order Black berry plants from Nourse . How close together do you plant them next to each other. I can plant rows 10 or 12 feet apart. Just need to know how close together. 3' or 4' ? thanks

[@BIGALTX]

3 or 4 feet is the spacing I use. I would go 12' on the rows (or wider) if you have the space. Wider is better... they WILL get big someday and crowd your walkways

[@illmatic33]

I just got three plants today. They seem to be dormant root (no leaves). Do I plant right away or do I set them in a pot first until they start growing?

[@BIGALTX]

Plant... (unless you are in a real cold area). If so, ask your Ag Extension agent when to plant. In TX... this is the right time to plant.

[@lawrencenachtrab4994]

Thanks for the videos I had a question about back to eden gardening I already have raised beds in boxes 4x8 and was wondering about how much wood chips on top would you recommend ? Thanks

[@BIGALTX]

+Lawrence Nachtrab I would start with 3-4 inches. You can always go deeper if you want to later.

[@BIGALTX]

+TexasPrepper2 On second thought, maybe 2-3 inches

[@TexasPlantCo]

what's the best thornless blackberry variety in your opinion?

[@BIGALTX]

+Seattle Fruit Trees Not sure yet... I'm trying Prime Ark Freedom and Prime Ark Traveler, but they are too young to tell how they will do. Look at the Ag Extension Dept for your state and see what they recommend

[@George_theguy-29]

Do they ever wilt in full sun for you or do leaves fall of because I'm worried when I plant mine that they will

[@BIGALTX]

Mature Blackberries love heat and sun. but if you are planting young plants now, make sure you have a drip system in place. Hot weather can hurt young plants if they don't have enough water. I would water at least twice a week... don't drown them, but make sure they get plenty. It depends on whether you are on sandy soil or clay. In the south, fall is a better time to plant. In the north, spring is...

[@George_theguy-29]

@@BIGALTX oh ok thank you

[@MT-iu8tt]

Hey I am I central Texas and wanted to know if it's to late to get some plants in the ground

[@BIGALTX]

+Alex Gonzalez I don't think it's too late... go for it !

[@jeffbingaman5536]

You ripped because? And what do you think of Arapaho blackberry, any experience?

[@BIGALTX]

ripped to break up the hard pan clay that i have

[@luisacarlisle3178]

How many feet did you plant the blackberries apart?

[@BIGALTX]

Usually 3 to 4 feet apart if they are in the ground. But... you HAVE to see what I'm doing right now. Here's my current blackberry patch: Blackberry Playlist: kzbin.info/aero/PLutBw50GI1zw9M4UxWAN3n9yeJ_WYS8TD My new Trellis System: kzbin.info/www/bejne/jqTRlJhthM6DoK8

[@jamesliddell3038]

Hi Mate, thanks for the tips. I am thinking of putting in some blackberries, I can get hold of Navaho. HOw do they go with the heat. At my place they\ winters get down to 0c/30f over night but in the summer we get up to 45-50c/113+ f. Do you think they would handle it? What temps do you get where you are? Thanks mate! keep up the good work James

[@BIGALTX]

I planted mine in the spring of 2011. We had 82 straight days of at or over 100F that summer. They seemed to thrive.

[@jamesliddell3038]

Awesome, Thanks mate. I have been watching you for a while and thought I might ask and get the good oil before i jump in. Thank You

[@Dynaglide92rc]

Hi, I have been watching your Blackberry videos almost every day. I patterened my Blackberry patch after yours. Watch my video # 60 and please let me know what you think. thanks again, Bobby

[@BIGALTX]

Didn't have time to watch all of it, but it looks nice. Left you a comment on the vid.

[@coolstuff4587]

I was just getting set to order Prime Ark Freedoms then I heard you talk about Prime Ark Travelers. It's a bit confusing, as they sound similar. What is the difference, and which do you believe to be the best for a U pick operation?

[@BIGALTX]

+CoolStuff I really don't know the difference yet... just supposed to be an improvement of some kind. See what info you can find on them. They are out of the U of Arkansas I think...

[@MrPenguinLife]

+TexasPrepper2 From what I have read Prime Ark Traveler holds up to storage and transport better, has a tougher skin, but flavor is not as good as Prime Ark Freedom, however since Prime Ark Traveler was just introduced last year there are not many real world reviews of it yet. By contrast I think Prime Ark Freedom came out 3 or 4 years ago.

[@lindsayashton1385]

Is Nourse in business? It says “Out of Stock” and no prices listed on every item I’ve looked at. I realize it’s an older video, so just wondering if anyone knows. Prices are SO high everywhere. It would be nice to find more affordable plants. :)

[@BIGALTX]

I don't see any blackberries sold out at Nourse: noursefarms.com/category/blackberry-plants/ Bob Wells has some too: bobwellsnursery.com/product/prime-ark-freedom-thornless-blackberry-plant/ (Use code TP2 at checkout and get 10% off at BW)

[@lindsayashton1385]

@@BIGALTXThanks for responding. I was so disappointed to see “Out of Stock” on every page I went to from the link in your description box earlier. Maybe it was a technical glitch?? It’s working and showing prices now, so I will definitely be ordering from them if my two brand new (more expensive) Prime Ark Freedoms don’t make it…or I just want to buy other things. ;)

[@croc1935]

along the stringline how many feet spaced between plants

[@BIGALTX]

I usually do 3 to 4 feet between plants.

[@stefanr570]

Last year I put netting over my blackberry bushes before and during harvest time - it kept the birds and squirrels away, but the nets were a pain to put on and then get under during harvest time. My question is, does anyone else do this? Do you lose a lot of berries to birds or how else do you prevent loses? Thanks in advance for your advice

[@BIGALTX]

+Stefan R I think I just plan on having enough plants to give the birds their share... I can see how netting would really be a pain. From what I've seen, birds don't attack the thorned ones as hard as the thornless.

[@stefanr570]

+TexasPrepper2 Thank you for your reply. I currently only have 3 plants (adding one more now) due to space limitations. I live in a forested subdivision. My lot is 1/3 acre with lots of trees and only sunny in a few places. I don't want to share with the birds! :-) I will consider if I will put up the nets again this year. Maybe I will try it without to see how it goes. I have Natchez thornless blackberries (also from the U of Arkansas). Great producers of large sweet good tasting fruits. I still have a couple of jars of jam left from last summer. When I retire I will have much more land for growing. Very interesting to hear about your Prime Ark and your growing methods. More blackberry video, please! Thanks, -Stefan

[@adrianowens1221]

Would it be ok to plant blackberry plants before the last frost?

[@BIGALTX]

In TX, I would plant NOW. Other areas... I'm not sure. Check with your AG Extension agent... but I bet you should plant now too

[@adrianowens1221]

Thanks and I really enjoy your videos

[@L33tmaster15]

If you leave a blackberry plant over the winter will they grow back the next year with no help?

[@BIGALTX]

Blackberries winter very well... but our winters are a lot milder than up north. If it's a very dry winter season, they might need some water from time to time.

[@L33tmaster15]

Appreciated. Great videos.

[@melissatodd1135]

I just bought a black berries plant today at Wal-Mart how long do they take to atart growing

[@BIGALTX]

If it's warm where you are... they get started pretty quick. Are they "bare root" or in a pot? Bare root will take longer than potted plants.

[@melissatodd1135]

@@BIGALTX bare root

[@melissatodd1135]

@@BIGALTX it was sealed in a bag had soil in it a twig sticking out of bag I put it in ground

[@melissatodd1135]

@@BIGALTX so not sure if that bare rout or potted

[@melissatodd1135]

@@BIGALTX I got nothing better to do laid off from my job due to covet 19 I'm in upstate ny. So all been doing making gardens

[@GrowingaJoyfulLife]

I ordered some thornless blackberries from Stark Bros (just 3 plants) and they should be here on the 10th. Hopefully I can get these to grow, I haven't had much success with them in the past even though wild blackberries grow right on the other side of the fence lol

[@wvFrequenzkontrolle]

+Hidden Hill Homestead I too got Blackberry Plants from Stark Bro.s, KIOWA Blackberries.. planted 18 of them last fall 2015. Today, I have 17 of them all greening up and growing. One has gone missing, most likely a deer attempt, and got a mouthful of thorns.. :) The rest are looking well.. hoping they do good growth this year.

[@GrowingaJoyfulLife]

+wvFrequenzkontrolle I'm not sure why I have such a hard time growing berries here. I planted 21 raspberry plants last year and I have 4 that came back this spring. I planted 3 blackberries and 1 of them came back this spring. 😕

[@full-timemama4328]

Oh my gosh that's exactly my soil rocky clay

[@BIGALTX]

Terrible, ain't it? Here's how to transform it: kzbin.info/www/bejne/rGGlfJ-LnNeLf7s kzbin.info/www/bejne/i36khoturauAmpY

[@full-timemama4328]

Thank you 😁

[@pewing99]

What spacing in the row are you using?

[@BIGALTX]

+Paul Ewing These are about 10 feet. It's better to go 12-15 feet (i think)

[@pewing99]

+TexasPrepper2 I meant between plants in the row. I have seen from 2-3 feet for erect plants like these to 3-4 feet for some of the ones like Natchez that are only semi erect.

[@BIGALTX]

+Paul Ewing I would suggest 3-4 feet. These are 4' (mainly because i'm cheap, and didn't want to buy more plants)

[@josephmcgee8450]

How many blackberry plants for 100 ft. Row?

[@BIGALTX]

I usually plant 3 to 4 feet apart. 3 feet if money's not a problem... 4 feet if you're on a budget. The bare spots will fill in over the years. And I make my rows (if you have more than one row) about 15 feet apart

[@analizareyes8739]

May I ask if blackberries can be grown here in tropical country like the Philippines or not. I wish to have one in my place if it's possible.

[@BIGALTX]

I'm not sure, but I think they would do great. Blackberries love hot weather as long as they have water. I think you get a lot more rain than we do. I would plant a few and see. Good luck

[@analizareyes8739]

TexasPrepper2 thank you po!

[@niknoorman7]

How do I get the Blackberries or Raspberries plan to order, and shipping is base on quantity ordering, basically how much per carton? Thanks

[@wranglerdave6452]

planting buy your creek would be best in my opinion

[@wranglerdave6452]

my brother accidentally planted his black berry plants over his leach field and they flourished bad thing is he isn't supposed to eat them

[@n1les]

Hi i got a really big problem :( . After all these years changing my mind i finally bought blackberry plants (and now they are in the mail on their way)... My problem is my mother has just got another health problem so we might have to go to abroad for her treatment. So i wont be able to plant my blackberries in their giant pots because no one can look after them for me when we go. They are coming in 9cm pots, is it possible i re pot them in 18cms pots & then plant them out in winter in their giant pots? When we come? Because i dont know how long we will be... In 18cms my brother should look after them for me so hopefully it will be ok. Will the blackberries need support at such a young age? Because i wont be able to give them then at the moment :( . Please help :(

[@BIGALTX]

I would put them in the bigger pot. If it's dry, you would need to have someone water them from time to time... but, if it is rainy, they should do fine. Just don't let them dry completely out in the heat. Sorry about your mother... wishing you well...

[@n1les]

Thanks for everything :) i'll see what i can do.

[@andrewriley1053]

What are your favorite kinds of blackberries?

[@BIGALTX]

Th thorned Primacanes have done best for me, but I HATE the thorns. So, I'm trying some thornless Primacanes. Not so sure about them yet.

[@dapperlink]

…or a tractor. 🤣🤣