I SHOULD BE ANGRY... BUT I'M NOT

[@nancyseery2213]

I have had Prime Ark for about 4 years and over the last two years I get a huge amount of berries in spring and before I can pick all the first bloom berries, they start blooming again and get berries all summer with a second heavy amount about August into November. I grow them in ground, cover roots in winter with pine straw and then cut out dead canes about February. They are easy to care for, produce heavy and have great flavor and I don't have a second type of blackberry.

[@BIGALTX]

The Freedoms are a VERY good variety. Not sure about up north, but in the south, they are the best!

[@lydiaahubbell8545]

where do you live?

[@lydiaahubbell8545]

So you lost canes, but not the actual plants?

[@lydiaahubbell8545]

I wonder if Triple crown will pollinate Prime Ark Freedom

[@beulahacreshomestead1927]

Sometimes what appears to be a mistake is actually a blessing!

[@BIGALTX]

Amen to that 👍🏼😎

[@KaylynnStrain]

berry plants look awesome !!! glad you're getting berries off the ones that got frozed

[@BIGALTX]

Me too!

[@amyziesmer5189]

❤💯❗I AM A "Redheaded Stepchild!" 🤣🤷‍♀️🤦‍♀️ was wild and outrageous and heard that my whole life! BUT GOD!!!!! Whew! And let me tell you...HE PRODUCES THE GREATEST and NOTHING BY MISTAKE! What a GLORIOUS SWEET BLESSING! ❤😁THANK YOU FOR THAT REMINDER!

[@BIGALTX]

Thanks, Amy Two of the greatest words in the Bible are... "BUT GOD" (Ephesians 2:4 ... the 3 verses prior to that are about ME) 🙏

[@SomeBuddy777]

That freeze done us all bad. It tested us, didn't it, in so many ways. Tested our faith, resilience, reserve, tested our ability in this day and time to tolerate a houseful of people claiming to be kin and live here! Seem like they gone a foot or two and they claimed we had aged about ten years! But one thing is for sure, it reminded us who is in charge of everything. He who Rules over all. Only He changes the seasons and climate and can send us a big reminder like this! *A bonus is that He did some Glorious Pruning!

[@BIGALTX]

Amen to the pruning! 😎

[@galenhaugh3158]

I suggest putting them in the ground if you want them to winter properly. Containers work well for annual plants but not so much for perennials.

[@BIGALTX]

I'm going in to my 4th year in containers So far they are doing great!

[@rvlucky2909]

Thank you for sharing enjoy the blackberries

[@BIGALTX]

You bet... thanks for watching!

[@galleywinterfarm3216]

I have the Primark traveler berries. I didn't lose one due to the freeze. I'm located south of DFW. This year I'm loaded with berries. The Cain's that came up this year also are blooming.

[@BIGALTX]

I had Trav's a few years ago but non lived. That's when I was in-ground and the gophers put the hurt on them 🙁

[@patch60hearts]

You made me giggle today. I grew up around the "red-headed stepchild" saying, too.

[@BIGALTX]

My job is done :)

[@shashakeeleh5468]

Good to see someone happy because an error occurred and turned out well on their behalf Strange how that happens sometimes. Just an FYI, for what it's worth, my PAF blackberries and other cold intolerant plants did fine in the icy cold we had here in Texas, as all I did was throw a medium row cover over the top to keep the ice and snow from settling on them. Most of the time, I've found it's not so much the cold, but the ice and snow that kills the plant. I grow strictly in containers now. All my plants made it through with only a couple of leaves lost. It's the best row cover I've ever tried and isn't an actual row cover. It's a painters drop cloth from Walmart. It's 2-layer, plastic on one side and cloth on the other and it works very, very well. It was 12' long and I think it cost about $7. Spent about $100 and it was well worth it to save some of the more intolerant plants, Just something for you to keep in mind, as I think we start seeing more and more colder winters going forward.

[@BIGALTX]

Great tip on the row cover... THANKS! I'll have to check into it

[@shashakeeleh5468]

@@BIGALTX I think this is the one. You don't have to cover plants all the way to the bottom with it. www.walmart.com/ip/Super-Tuff-8-x-12-Double-Guard-Drop-Cloth-White/20774388?wmlspartner=wlpa&selectedSellerId=0&wl13=1103&adid=22222222420449455996&wmlspartner=wmtlabs&wl0=&wl1=g&wl2=c&wl3=501107745824&wl4=aud-1185573580265:pla-293946777986&wl5=1026481&wl6=&wl7=&wl8=&wl9=pla&wl10=8175035&wl11=local&wl12=20774388&wl13=1103&veh=sem_LIA&gclid=Cj0KCQjw_dWGBhDAARIsAMcYuJxT0TzfSoIRRrYnbRjYfLMdBLdzvX11vtG3bgH36VkeyL1eDkM_UcsaAgwIEALw_wcB&gclsrc=aw.ds

[@BIGALTX]

Thanks for the info and the link. How cold did it get where you are?

[@shashakeeleh5468]

@@BIGALTX I think at one point, it touched 19 degrees, but I'm north of town, near Spring. Mostly stayed in the mid-20's. We got a lot of ice, but 10 mi. north got more snow, which meant we were warmer. Those plants who didn't get moisture, whether ice or snow, on main branches were fine. Others that didn't get covered died back to ground, or died completely.

[@BIGALTX]

@@shashakeeleh5468 That's a LOT warmer than we got. We hit zero... don't want to ever do that again :(

[@vmbanner]

If you confirm the rogue variety, please let us know. I realize it would be nice to have several varieties that ripen successively. Or can recommend early vs later producing varieties. Thanks.

[@BIGALTX]

Will do, but I don't think I can know... l Looks a LOT like my Quachita but just can't be sure

[@vmbanner]

@@BIGALTX Thanks. I’ve had Kiowa for 5 years. About 200 feet. It’s time to switch to a thornless primocane. I’m seriously thinking about Ponca. I’ll keep track of how your plant do. There’s always Prime Ark…

[@BIGALTX]

@@vmbanner Once you go "thornless"... you'll never go back :) I should have a Ponca update this week... stay tuned.

[@roostershooter76]

How are you keeping the birds away? Here in Western Kentucky, I have been growing Primeark 45 for 3 years now. They have completely taken over a 20 foot section of horse fence.

[@BIGALTX]

I didn't do it this year, but in the past, I've tied CDs and DVDs on strings to blow around and scare them with the reflected light. You can see them in this video: kzbin.info/www/bejne/enrGqqhjqNt1jKc

[@Hatfield_Country]

Blackberry cobbler sounds good right about now!

[@BIGALTX]

O man... it was GOOD. And vanilla ice cream on top. I nearly hurt myself ! 👍😎

[@LouisEmery]

In order for a second species to help in pollination they have to flower at the same time. I'm not sure if you confirmed that was happening in your garden.

[@BIGALTX]

Very true. Actually, the three species I have do not bloom at the same time. But they have done fine without cross pollination.

[@Thepetpedisock]

I did not know that about the pollination of each berry!

[@BIGALTX]

😎👍

[@redtobertshateshandles]

Blackberries grow wild near me. Acres of them. But it's hell to get through the patches if you're not prepared, as they're thorny devils. A super ripe berry that you can barely remove without squashing. Yum.

[@BIGALTX]

Yep... thorns are the devil !

[@RESlusher]

My blackberries did really well this year! I've maybe got another few days of production left and so far I've got three gallon zip-top bags FULL. Mine were Arapaho and Natchez that I picked up at Lowe's two years ago.

[@BIGALTX]

That's awesome, Richard... thanks for sharing!

[@patricksmithsr.3787]

Definitely not mad about the phone or the berries why sweat the small stuff snicker 🤭 snicker no need on crying when the blessings still coming ... had to watch it again teacher ... make sure I got it all ... think I will be to saving this video ... good reference

[@BIGALTX]

Thanks so much, Patrick. Glad it was helpful.

[@TomA-pt7en]

Prime ark freedoms produce that double berry as a result of high temperatures. Probably shouldn't see too much of that this year.

[@BIGALTX]

Good to know, Thanks!

[@GaryM704]

That was good. "Red headed step child"

[@BIGALTX]

An expression I've heard all my life :)

[@deadcenterarts29]

A bit off topic but I'm wondering if you had problems with a lot of runners with the primeark freedom in the ground. I'd like to put some in the ground but I'm wondering how difficult to control they will be?

[@BIGALTX]

I didn't grow them in the ground, but all my other berries went crazy sending up shoots where I DIDN"T want them That's one of the reasons I started putting them in containers

[@mcroftjr]

I've got 5 varieties going and in North Texas, triple crown does better than the others.......... apache, prime ark 45, prime ark freedom, triple crown and Navajo

[@BIGALTX]

Good to know, thanks. I've heard a lot of good things about Triple Crown but have never grown any.

[@LMCLTV84]

SO YOUR BLK SHEEP. Ponca Or "Washita" /Wachita . I adore my red headed Step bro. 😆 🤣 Really like your berry commentary . I think your upright variety might do ok up here with the Yankees lol, (I have family in SA,TX . ) We often get cold snaps in the spring that kill back flowering and fruiting cane plants . So the vigorous reblooming/ fruiting varieties are a big plus , thanks!

[@BIGALTX]

Great info... thanks!

[@dindranew.6808]

Those are some GORGEOUS blackberries.

[@BIGALTX]

Thanks, DW!

[@taililly2483]

Will the primeark freedom berries do well in north central TX? Also what is your watering schedule and fertilizer routine? Do you use triple 13 fertilizer.

[@BIGALTX]

You typically get a lot colder than I do... so... you might want to watch this: kzbin.info/www/bejne/eYO3gWWwrLihppo The Freedom berries did NOT like the zero degrees we had last winter. I lost a LOT of canes to the freeze. Also, here's my fertilizing program: kzbin.info/www/bejne/hZDGq2trp6aejas

[@sethhewett2171]

How many years you think you’ll get out of them being in pots. Before root bound. I’ve had prime arks for almost 5 years same plants but that under growth is almost impossible to control

[@BIGALTX]

I think they'll be OK till the tubs need to be replaced. After that, I think I'll prune some of the roots before I put them in new tubs.

[@roxybowman2986]

They look fabulous. I don't know what's up with mine. I bought the same kind of blackberries last fall after seeing your video and was hoping for berries this year. They are barely growing, maybe 1/3 the size of yours and have yet to flower and grow berries. I've got them in tubs like you and keep them watered , but not overly so. I'm SE of Austin.

[@BIGALTX]

Fertilization? Here's what I do: kzbin.info/www/bejne/hZDGq2trp6aejas

[@oldscout7]

God is SO GOOD to us!

[@BIGALTX]

You Betcha! :)

[@tambrasmith9707]

I ordered 6 of the kind like you have , 2 of mine made it , but one of them has thornes... so I got a different kind too

[@BIGALTX]

I got away from the thorns when I got these for the containers. I'll never go back... they are such a bother.

[@kennethnewsome5114]

What type of fertilize do you use?

[@BIGALTX]

Here's a video where I discuss my fertilizer program: kzbin.info/www/bejne/hZDGq2trp6aejas

[@brendasheridan7071]

I would really love for you to present your information on how you grow and care for your blackberries at our Cherokee County Master Gardeners Spring Conference. Please let me know if you are willing as soon as possible. Thanks

[@BIGALTX]

Thanks for the invite Brenda. I'm not sure I'll be able to do that. I don't do many public speaking things.

[@fred10418]

I like your set-up. Snakes 🐍 can't hid in them, so amazing.

[@BIGALTX]

Thanks 👍

[@donaldmiller8629]

Hey Alan , Don. here from Natural Fernwalk Farm. What winter this has been. Colder than normal and more snow than usual. I'm usually in the 15 to 10 degree F range with the occasional single digit range. Not this winter. My average has been single digits with several dips into the negative numbers. But my Triple Crown came through like a super blackberry. All of my blueberries croaked. This is the second time . I'm done with blueberries. Normally whenever I plant a fruit, I plant a different second variety. For example , I have four varieties of Elderberries . I believe that I am going to focus more on the blackberries. Will we see the pond later this summer ?

[@BIGALTX]

Sure, but the pond may be down a lot during the summer :(

[@rogerscheuermann4409]

Do the PAF BB give you 2 gallons per year as well? Per plant? 😮 I have 6 containers of BB..... that would be awesome!!! 😊 Thanks for all the information.....

[@BIGALTX]

I haven't really "measured" the production, but they are VERY productive REALLY cold weather can hurt them, so make sure they are right for your zone

[@jeffkimble8857]

Definitely looks like a Ouachita. I have a mix in my rows: Kiowa, Ouachita, Prime Ark Freedooms and also Travelers. They all have different ripening times and thus spreads the fun out! I looking forward to trying some Poncas. Good video.

[@BIGALTX]

Thanks Jeff! You've got a LOT of variety!

[@dianeladico1769]

That's what we call a Happy Accident.

[@BIGALTX]

Amen, Diane!

[@audreymcneil3087]

What is the hose spray attachment that you have that looks as if it fits the pipe of the containers?

[@BIGALTX]

I think you're talking about this watering wand: hosstools.com/product/dramm-touch-n-flow-16-watering-wand/

[@dontaylor8451]

I'm in Arlington , so suffered in "The Big Freeze" as well. Murdered my 20 year old fig tree., so I cut it down. Low and behold I now have a fig jungle all around ( 15' circle) where the tree was. Lots of fig leaves, will they produce fruit from these suckers? Planted first one this spring in a Leon tub that is doing great, but is it going to make figs ?

[@BIGALTX]

It all depends on the variety. Some figs make 2 crops... spring and summer. If all your foliage died off (like mine did) you'll probably get some figs IF it bears a summer crop. The summer crop comes on THIS year's growth. The spring crop comes on LAST year's growth (which was killed in the freeze) I'm going through the same thing. Some are starting to show figs and some are not Hope that helps.

[@dontaylor8451]

@@BIGALTX you are a good source of knowledge, proud to "know" you my fellow Texan....

[@mickymurray3574]

Where can I get primacane plants? Thanks.

[@BIGALTX]

I get mine at Bob Wells Nursery, but they might be out. Googls "prime ark" and you should see some places that sell them Lots of folks are out

[@persik-kuban]

Hello, what is the volume of the plant pots?

[@BIGALTX]

Not sure exactly, but I think they are between 18 and 20 gallons. Here's how to get them: kzbin.info/www/bejne/iZ2kgJ9vbpqGl7M

[@patricksmithsr.3787]

Doing a Fine job on those berries .... definitely a though teacher 👨‍🏫. I am Irish ☘️ you know chuckle chuckle giggle giggle 🤭 Giid Job sir 👍🏾

[@BIGALTX]

Thank you kindly

[@2010PinkWarrior]

Where do you buy your buckets?

[@BIGALTX]

One vid is worth a thousand words... kzbin.info/www/bejne/iZ2kgJ9vbpqGl7M

[@jerryscruggs4401]

Have you planted any of the new ponca variety yet? Just wondering how they were doing.

[@BIGALTX]

An update on my Ponca berries will be next week. Stay tuned 👍🏼😎

[@poobers123]

I noticed you spread your buckets farther apart after the freeze. Was that just for more airflow/less chance of fungus?

[@BIGALTX]

Yes... I think it increased the air flow and helps with fungus. But also, I gave about 1/2 of them to my daughter

[@carolynkrpec7487]

How much sun do your blackberries get ?

[@BIGALTX]

Full sun... all day BBs need full sun to do their best.

[@lelandshanks4759]

Well T.P., I've been growing Wichita 's but your videos and how well the freedoms did after the article blast convinced me we need to order this berry 4 sure.

[@BIGALTX]

I've grown a dozen or so varieties of blackberries and the Freedom is my favorite. 👍😎

[@mssimpson67]

Is there a reason you don’t use the black syrup tubs?

[@BIGALTX]

All the ones around here are blue, orange or red. I've heard that the black ones will really get hot in the TX heat. Maybe hot enough to be a problem, not sure

[@SJ-gj7mx]

I like your farm and your channel

[@BIGALTX]

Well, thanks S J... Glad you're here!

[@terrywallace6911]

Anyone know where to get the Prime Ark Freedoms for north west Florida? I contacted one nursery in a nearby state that had them but they would not ship to Florida!

[@BIGALTX]

Most places are sold out, but summer is not a good time to plant anyway. Try to find some in the fall to plant. I get mine here: bobwellsnursery.com/

[@BIGALTX]

10% discount for mentioning me (Discount Code "TP2" )

[@dogncatmom]

Where did you buy your tubs?

[@BIGALTX]

Wicking Tubs: 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

[@darinhefley6139]

What part of Texas are you in I'm from NE Texas about 20 miles south of Texarkana just trying to figure out the best way to do container gardening

[@BIGALTX]

I'm about 2 hours SW of you... Smith co

[@darinhefley6139]

@@BIGALTX ok thanks. I will watch your videos to see how to grow in wicking buckets thank you again

[@thereadinesschannel7610]

I have triple crowns in my yard and am starting to form the opinion going to one of these erect type varieties is the way to go. I have no complaints about the berry quality but triple crown is a vining type and seem to be more work trellising etc. then the erect variety. Since you had triple crowns I’m curious what your opinion is about the two.

[@BIGALTX]

Sorry, I just saw this comment. I have never raised Triple Crown so I really don’t know what their growth habits are.

[@Dionne2U2]

Great information. Is there a place online that sales these blackberries that's trustworthy?

[@BIGALTX]

bobwellsnursery.com/ If they are out, try Nourse Farms

[@Dionne2U2]

@@BIGALTX thank you! Btw I'm in southeast Texas, do you feel those would grow good down here. Right now I have big daddy blackberry and they do good and hoping the same for these?

[@Dionne2U2]

Prime-Ark® 45 Blackberry Plant is this the same blackberry?

[@BIGALTX]

@@Dionne2U2 No. I think the PA45 has thorns. Mine are Prime Ark Freedom blackberries: www.noursefarms.com/product/prime_ark_freedom/

[@BIGALTX]

@@Dionne2U2 The PA Freedom berries should do great in SETX

[@Ms.Byrd68]

I don't know the 'little one' looks more like a REAL Blueberry bush, like a Wild one you'd see growing alongside a 'dirt road' in the South somewhere. Good deal on your berry bushes!

[@BIGALTX]

It does look similar to wild, but the wild ones are seldom as "erect" as these are. I think they are a cultivated variety.

[@Ms.Byrd68]

@@BIGALTX Oh I'm sure they are, they just remind me of the ones growing along the road to my father's place in South Click, lol!

[@josephmcgee8450]

Where. Do you get your wicking tubs?

[@BIGALTX]

Here's how to get them: kzbin.info/www/bejne/iZ2kgJ9vbpqGl7M Here's how to make them: kzbin.info/www/bejne/b5jYf6KNhZ2SotU

[@josephmcgee8450]

@@BIGALTX Thank You for your help and a responding and your helpful video!

[@josephmcgee8450]

@@BIGALTX I think you might enjoy some Loganberrys thornless! Big Berries and a cross between Blackberry and Rasberry

[@WhispersFromTheDark]

I'll take some of those blueberries...

[@BIGALTX]

They ARE yummy!

[@texasbob5836]

Thanks for the video! I have 6 Prime Ark, some are getting rust spots. Any ideas on how to stop or prevent it? Think i need a couple Ouchita now. :)

[@BIGALTX]

I used this about 2 weeks ago: hosstools.com/product/liquid-copper-fungicide/ I see very little rust now. Try to stay away from the blooms, if you have any. They look much better than they did last year at this time.

[@luziiluizth.8742]

Hello dear another beautiful day 💐 Lovely and beautiful video ❤️ thanks for sharing this with us giving another a big Big like thumbs up 👍👍👍👍 see you again take care Luiz here 😊 Hope keep intouch ❤️💐🎸😊

[@BIGALTX]

Good to hear from you Luzii. Thanks for the kind words!

[@peggybreaux8973]

Where do you get the blue containers?

[@FTDrake]

ranchers, or people with cows they are vitamin tubs

[@peggybreaux8973]

@@FTDrake thank you

[@BIGALTX]

Here's a video showing how to get them: kzbin.info/www/bejne/iZ2kgJ9vbpqGl7M

[@sarahharris-prewett8035]

Do tell

[@BIGALTX]

👍😎

[@jorgeespinoza3150]

Maybe the canes died because they're getting even colder temps standing above ground level. But who knows for sure...?

[@BIGALTX]

In 2021 I did lose some canes to sub zero temps, but it did not hurt the plants root system.

[@jorgeespinoza3150]

@TexasPrepper2 I'm trying prime ark freedom in far west Houston, but they're really small starters. Hopefully fruit next year. Also waiting on Columbia giant blackberry, Marionberry, Tayberry and a Nantahala raspberry I ordered. My Anne raspberry roots aren't doing much so far, but the Florida Rose blueberries and Titan blueberry are trying to grow.

[@shredlife702]

1.25x speed if your in a rush

[@BIGALTX]

Great idea!

[@Yasafari]

Bro, why this plant what you called it black sheep it looks so poorly grown ? 😀Not much leaves !

[@BIGALTX]

This variety does not "fill out" like the other variety does. It received the same fertilizer, water, sun... everything was the same. It just grows different. Not as prolific.

[@jenkinssthomson8879]

Very refined click bait sir. Nice vid regardless.

[@BIGALTX]

👍😎

[@melindaroth214]

GREAT INFORMATION ALAN. MAKES US WANT TO GET BLACKBERRIES. THANK YOU. GOD BLESS YOU ALAN & FAMILY IN JESUS NAME.

[@BIGALTX]

Get some berries, Melinda! And as always, thanks for the blessing. There's never enough :)

[@dallasgardener3166]

Am I first ?

[@BIGALTX]

Probably.. thanks!

[@mikeaustin1323]

2nd to comment

[@BIGALTX]

Second is good too 😎