MY BLACKBERRIES ARE DYING!

[@OrganicGreens]

They are not getting enough water. Big plants in little pots like that don't really make sense because you end up having to water em everyday anyways . Especially when you are using a watering system anyway you should just transplant into the ground so your big plants can access the reserve of groundwater. I had to get rid of my wicking pots anyways because I only use organic amendments in my pot and they leach into the water causing it to stink and go anaerobic.

[@BIGALTX]

I've had 700' of berries in the ground I really like containers better.. but we'll see about the longevity

[@JamesTKirk-yz5ng]

I would recommend ground planting I list 80% of my raspberries and Logan berries this past winter. All were in 10gallon pots . All lost the buds due to a late Jan cold snap and the it killed the roots as well no shoots. Moved the remaining ones to the ground and am starting over. Shocking result in zone 7

[@TXJan0057]

I have lost a lot already in several varieties. I have been having medical issues and not staying on top of waterings. Hopefully they survive and come back.

[@hunterrhodes2ss86]

I tried copying your blackberry growing style after having horrible luck with blackberrys here in Florida I got some prime ark freedoms and put them in containers the did amazing until our summer hit and from what I could tell the pots were overheating the roots the soil was super hot and I had die back just like yours I put them in the ground and wow they exploded

[@BIGALTX]

This year was abnormally hot in May, June and July Could have contributed to the die off, but I really didn't see it till it started cooling off some...

[@rogerscheuermann4409]

Thank for the pre-winter update. I have a few leaves dying but overall my plants have grown enormously this year. Please keep updating on BB and tell us what we need to do to keep healthy plants and lots of blooms for fruit next year. 😊 Thanks

[@BIGALTX]

Will do, Roger Thanks for watching!

[@TheTennfisher]

Alan I have experienced the same thing in my 30 wicking tubs of blackberries. I think my problem is that used a bulk mix in my tubs that I obtained from a local gardening center that was made up of sand, topsoil, and a high percentage of old humus. I have since heard (perhaps from your website) that it is critical for the wicking process that the medium have at least 75 percent peat moss for the wicking to take place in an adequate manner. Since I watered through the feeding tube until the water ran out the drain hole in the side I assumed (and we all know what assumptions do for you right?) I think it's possible in my case that the water wasn't reaching the roots. Don't know what you used but thought it was worth mentioning. I'm looking at a do over with Earth boxes, and a different medium. Good luck.

[@BIGALTX]

Since you don't have the correct soil, you might try just watering from the top Any excess will "weep out" the hole

[@oldmanfigs]

Heat on the side of the containers…..Berry the containers in wood chips….fix this right up.

[@BIGALTX]

Probably work, but THAT's a lot of wood chips! 👍😎

[@DeanFamilyAcres]

Had several plants that I still have in pots lat have suffered because of lack of water. Hard to remember this time of year. Always love your BB videos!

[@BIGALTX]

Thanks, DF Water is crucial in containers

[@WayneBain]

I had the same thing happen to a Prime ark Freedom plant, only one cane started turning brown. I got to checking and my yard dude had knocked the irrigation hose out of the barrel on that side of the bush. I water my berries with 3 emitters per barrel. Any way, I put the emitter back in the barrel, cut off all the dead leaves and the cane perked up and went on to deliver huge, delicious berries. When we take the bushes out of the ground and put them into barrels, we must make absolutely certain the water is always available. They also need water in the ground, but some of it they get from the ground. Where I live in Alabama, I have to water berries planted in the ground because it gets so dry during the summer.

[@BIGALTX]

Absolutely. It’s like a baby. When you have something in a container, you have to give it everything it needs. It can’t scavenge fertilizer, minerals, water, or anything else from the ground. You have to provide it if it’s going to eat it or drink it.

[@markcdeyoung3118]

Use them super magical power you have in your fingetips and stick um down in the dirt in them buckets .. if it's dry water it ... If it's damp you're good ! 😅 I tell you thou my garden even with mulch from midsummer .. all the way up until this very moment I've had to water every day caz by the next day it's just bone dry again even times when I get a pretty good rain in between ...just dry man !!

[@BIGALTX]

Yep... been a wild year for sure

[@endstay]

As others have noted, I believe your plastic tubs transmit too much heat for the roots. It is a heat on roots problem, not a water problem.

[@bendeleted9155]

I have only seen blackberries grow right at the edge of streams and ditches so I'm guessing it's water. I neglected mine a little after it cooled off and got a few brown leaves too. Zone 9.

[@BIGALTX]

Great observation, thanks

[@jeffkimble8857]

Alan, those prime arks are old enough that I bet they have gotten root bound in the pots. You know how vigorously they grow and put out roots like mad. I think it would be worth the time to dump one pot out and see if that is it. Just a thought.

[@BIGALTX]

I'm going to HAVE to. I found a huge crack in one of the tubs and will transfer one plant to a new tub WATCH for the video... should be interesting!

[@cindyjohnson5242]

Good and interesting point!!

[@hardstylzz5024]

I noticed that my travelers stop growing in Aug and September, now seeing new growth on the tops been dry here in South Georgia finally got rain the other day it will be 38 on Wednesday morning. Just weird my black raspberries and heritage red ones doing great growing like crazy and I have a fall crop on the heritage.

[@hbrws813]

We are in south Georgia, also -- Thomas County.

[@BIGALTX]

Nice! Good for YOU!

[@hardstylzz5024]

@@hbrws813hello neighbor I'm also in Thomas county its rare to find a viewer in the same small county.

[@BIGALTX]

Something's happening to my Prime Ark Freedom Blackberries alan Check out my Website. I've written dozens of articles pertaining to all areas of homesteading and self sufficiency. Here's the link: homesteadadvisor.com/ If you enjoyed this video and would like to see more videos like this. please give this video a thumbs up and leave me a comment! Please subscribe, it would really help my channel! Thank you for watching! ❤

[@ronestes2187]

I have prim ark freedom in the first year, they are growing in pots like yours, I live in west Texas and it’s very very hot. During the early summer I had to cover my pots with hay to try to keep the pots cooler. I had many days above 100 in May which is not normal. I had to keep the pots covered all summer. In June two of my 8 plants produced a couple of berries but they did not mature. I did have my leaves dying in that high heat. I probably did not water enough. I’m in the second phase of the first year, no berries but plants are growing good. I am cutting back long canes and starting new plants. I do have two pots that some of the canes are almost totally yellow but growing. Do you have any idea? I would love to be able to talk with about my blackberrys. Thanks so much for your videos.

[@ShortbusMooner]

My 'in the ground' plant is hanging on by a prayer (transplanted to Florida from TN), but fresh growth, also. I shall feed it!! 🤞🙏🏻

[@BIGALTX]

👍😎

[@clarkwheeler8764]

Not saying its a bad idea to fertilize going into winter, but was wondering if anyone else thinks we may have fertilized TOO MUCH especially considering the growing conditions this past summer? My "in the ground planted berries" are doing the same as yours. We may have unintentionally "burned" the plants roots and its now showing up in the canes?

[@BIGALTX]

In my case, I don't think so. My last fert was organic 5-4-3 Shouldn't have done ANY burning with that

[@josephmcgee8450]

Thank You,Mr Preppy2 Only a idea! My idea is put them In Ground!

[@BIGALTX]

Been there, done that I really like them in containers ... so far :)

[@chrisfisher3900]

Don’t know. Up in Lubbock my 45’s are going like crazy,the cooler weather they have shot up like crazy. I did however forget to turn off my drip system even with all the rain

[@BIGALTX]

Good to know, thanks!

[@taosfamily]

Your garden looks fabulous..👍👍

[@BIGALTX]

Thanks so much!

[@lelandshanks3590]

Alot of plant stress Alan, 😩 everything took a hit this year except okra and eggplants up here.

[@BIGALTX]

Very true :(

[@quercuslobata3776]

Have you checked to see how much root mass is in your pots? Blackberries are vigorous growers and could easily become root bound. When that happens you get die back as the plant is trying to compensate. Maybe pull one of the plants out of the pot and check. It may be necessary to divide the plants and repot with new soil. Root bound plants will usually respond fairly quick to either dividing or bigger pots. Quick question. I have some PrimeArk 45 and Freedom. According to University of Arkansas, the 45s are supposed to have thorns. Both varieties are in 5 gallons. Neither have thorns. I wonder if I was shipped all Freedoms?

[@BIGALTX]

As I understand it, 45's DO have thorns Sounds like you got something else

[@thedriftwoodband]

I have no new growth on any of my varieties. Last year at this time it was totally different in Cypress, TX.

[@BIGALTX]

Wow... NO new growth? That's terrible

[@danmathers5896]

Thanks for sharing! I ordered 5 plants coming in April from Johnny Seeds and hoping to use your knowledge to help first time grower. Thank you!!

[@BIGALTX]

Wonderful! You can do it. I have extensive Playlists on everything to do with blackberries. Raising Blackberries Playlist: kzbin.info/aero/PLutBw50GI1zw4o2K4wXDuUvB3GaD3hfmK Growing Blackberries In Containers: kzbin.info/aero/PLutBw50GI1zw9M4UxWAN3n9yeJ_WYS8TD hope that helps...

[@WayneBain]

Just follow his videos, he made a blackberry grower out of me, so I know anyone can do it.

[@LouisEmery]

Why in containers? There is more risk of drying out. Ground has potentially more water reserve. Maybe you should allow for a taproot growing through a bottom hole/ (I'm in IL not TX)

[@BIGALTX]

I grew in the ground exclusively for several years. I had 700 feet of blackberries and even a small you pick operation. The gophers finally finished off my plants… so that’s the main reason. But, also, there is the chore of keeping grass from between your plants. And just a number of other reasons. I won’t go back to planting in the ground unless this completely goes bust. It’s been about four years and they’re thriving, so I don’t think it’s gonna go bust. Yes, containers are a little more trouble, but in the long run, it’s less labor-intensive in my opinion. I have plenty of land that I could plant these on, but I choose not to… From experience.

[@Lvaladez114]

Thanks again mine needed some attention. 😬

[@BIGALTX]

You bet!

[@SaltwaterSlick]

How are your berry plants doing now 7 months later? Ours were doing great but now look just like yours in this video. We have about 30 PrimeArk Freedoms plants in the ground and 19 in wicking tubs made to your hybrid spec with the perf. drain pipe with cover. Both have the same issue though the in-ground plants are worse. Early Spring, we had so much rain, I actually had sump pumps pumping water OUT of our in-ground garden on multiple occasions. Think my problem could have started with too much water...??

[@BIGALTX]

Actually mine look amazing right now. LOTS of new primocanes. Should have berries on them soon. Here's my most recent video on the BBs: kzbin.info/www/bejne/Z3bCoXhmrs6Vpdk

[@SaltwaterSlick]

@@BIGALTX Did you ever determine that your issue was in fact a lack of water? Or did yours "heal" themselves? We made a great crop on the floricanes and now are beginning to get the primocane crop, but the leaves are turning brown/dying exactly like your video above. I hope it's just a water issue! We had a very wet Spring, but now it is not raining as regular. I do water them. One plot is in wicking tubs and they are on a watering system with 2 gallon/hour emitters. They get watered when our regular garden gets watered (it's on drip tape and/or emitters too).

[@BIGALTX]

@@SaltwaterSlick This video was last October and I really DO think it was lack of water I am watering mine every DAY now because they seem to need it. If they were in the ground I don't think they would need daily watering

[@dianewebb5865]

Hi..new followers here ..wondering about your planters for your blackberries ...how did you set them up ? Where did you get the buckets and their size? How long can they stay in those..will they need to be planted in ground at some point ?

[@BIGALTX]

Thanks for subbing! 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 They are about 20 gallons This is the 4th season for these berry plants I don't plan to plant them in the ground... been there done that... I like this much better

[@taosfamily]

Our problem here in SE Michigan is the OrangeRust..

[@BIGALTX]

I see fungus from time to time, but don't think it's orange rust, but not sure Does LiquaCop not get rid of the rust?

[@UNSC011001]

My blackberries died in my containers that had a reservoir in the bottom. I'm not sure what caused it but I'm leaning towards : when they got older, the roots grew enough that they got closer to the reservoir (or close enough to get into the "soggy" soil at the bottom) & that much access to water was too much & slowly killed them. 😕

[@BIGALTX]

I think mine filled the tub with roots the first year I just saw a crack in one of them, so I'll have to pull one plant out soon Watch for the video... should be informative and interesting

[@robinbyrd410]

Mine are in the ground and I watered so much but I had cut back also …wasn’t sure if it was water or all the grass hoppers that invaded when it cooled off. Would grasshoppers do that?

[@BIGALTX]

I don't think so. Grasshopper will eat the leaves so it's easy to tell

[@denniscleveland669]

I watered mine daily and many days, the water didn’t come out of the overflow hole of the container. That said, my single plant appears to have died, all the way to the dirt.

[@BIGALTX]

If it didn't weep out of the hole, sounds like something is stopped up Might have drowned...?

[@denniscleveland669]

@@BIGALTX Nah, that just meant that I didn’t over water it.

[@lorenbush8876]

The thing that was killing my blackberries was watering then and that makes no sense, I have 4 of the Prime-Ark Freedom left 2 are doing pretty well and the other 2 are doing ok but they are not vert large, at least they ar alive, growing and look pretty good, the giant Kiawa came back then the new growth died and has not come back.The 3 tripple Crown blackberries I have burned up from watering them and so far have not come back. So you think the Sweet-Ark Poncas are worth buying?Thanks

[@BIGALTX]

They seem to be resilient to weather, etc... but not as prolific. See this video: kzbin.info/www/bejne/p2W3Xq2El5hlbpo

[@dianeladico1769]

Sorry this happened, I know how you love your berries. Try bending the canes before you prune them. If they're pliable, even if they're darkened, there's life in there and it may sprout like the one you showed us. If they snap, they're done. That happened to a few of my shrubs in the heat we had this summer. My guess is when stressed the plant acts like any organism and will sacrifice the extremities to protect the core and any weaker areas will succumb. I left anything bendy and they all resprouted. Up north it's too late to fertilize anything, aside from top dressing with compost. We don't want anything to spur new growth just so winter can kill it off. It just saps energy from the plant. Did you have any tomato clones, or did the heat take them all? I'm going to try to overwinter some and see how it goes. DH is a really good sport because they're going in his office.

[@BIGALTX]

Great observations I don't have any tomato clones... wish I did...

[@donaltland7957]

When do you first start to fertilize in the Spring?

[@BIGALTX]

Usually as soon as I see any hint of green (shoots)

[@articmars1]

I acquired a prime ark freedom and a Ponca from wells nursery. I am in zone 9a southeast Louisiana. I am currently at 45° with them averaging around 49° to 55° at night with about 60°to 67° in the day time. Are those Temps safe to plant them in their outdoor containers? Or should I wait for it to warm up a bit more?

[@BIGALTX]

I would plant now Remember... they are outside in containers at Wells nursery. If it's going to get down below 10F or so, you might want to cover them

[@johnnyvannoy7180]

My Black Gems are still blooming and have fruit set on them. My Prime Ark Freedom some fruit and not as many blooms . Zone 7A

[@BIGALTX]

Nice... good to know, thanks for sharing!

[@knicks252525]

my blackberry bushes look healthy but the berries on them are drying out any ideas, im in phoenix az currently watering everyday about 2 gallons per bush

[@BIGALTX]

Wow… I’m not really sure. I think your temperatures have been extremely hot the last few days. That could be what the problem is. They may just be drying out. You may want to try some shade cloth over them. Maybe a 40% shade cloth would keep them from burning up (if that’s what’s happening to them)

[@lindayoung6882]

I have a few fig trees that I rooted in containers. Do I need to fertilize them also? I think I will go ahead and put them in the ground in a few weeks

[@brokenarrow2835]

Put some kind of mulch around them so the freeze don't kill them to the root. .I plant rooted blackberries and fig trees year round, you just have to water them.

[@BIGALTX]

If you're going to plant them soon, I wouldn't fertilize them now Probably wait till spring

[@BIGALTX]

Great idea!

[@bushwp11]

Do you think the roots need more room to spread, like in the ground vs in the tubs? My berries have roots that put out new shoots over 6' away from the original plant.

[@BIGALTX]

Not sure yet But, berries DO have a lifespan. Usually from 8 to 12 years

[@dianewebb5865]

What did you do with ground under buckets ?

[@BIGALTX]

Landscape cloth and wood chips on top of the cloth

[@cabighorse]

Howdy from North Texas. I’m in growing zone 8a. I have tried pruning my blackberry vines, tried ignoring my blackberry vines. The last three years I get massive amounts of blooms, but the berries usually produce one little aril on each bud. HELP! What can I do? These vines are four years old.

[@BIGALTX]

Sounds like you may have a pollination problem Each of the little "bumps" on the berry has to get pollinated If the berries are small or not completely formed, they may not be getting pollinated Try pollinator plants to bring some bees in...

[@cabighorse]

@@BIGALTX I have a hive. I’ll add more flowers. Thanks

[@Shesstitchin]

Do you still have your in ground berries?

[@BIGALTX]

No, not for about 3 years I really like growing them in containers

[@cassandrac1509]

I thought that you had them in wicking tubs?

[@BIGALTX]

They are, but some of the canes had died in the tubs It happens when they're planted in the soil too, do I don't think it's a big deal

[@tambrasmith9707]

What do you fertilize with?

[@tambrasmith9707]

Mine are in wicking tubs also

[@tambrasmith9707]

I have a satsuma tree in a wicking tub and bought a grapefruit tree and a key lime tree that I’m gonna put in a wicking tub soon

[@BIGALTX]

I'm going to use 10-20-10 or 13-13-13

[@toosense]

Weird to see healthy green growth from a dried out branch like that.

[@BIGALTX]

Me too... !! Strange

[@TheCajunHomestead]

Thanks for the updates and info. My Poncas are surviving. They in the ground, I Will fertilize them with 13-13-13, then I am moving them probably in February or maybe before

[@BIGALTX]

Sounds like a plan to ME :)

[@cindyjohnson5242]

Thanks for sharing as always!

[@BIGALTX]

Thanks for watching!

[@Wilk853]

I think they are root bound

[@hardstylzz5024]

Curious to see if he would open one up see how the roots look, wonder if replacing soil every 2 or 3 yrs I know it would be alot work be a good experiment to try.

[@BIGALTX]

Got a busted tub, so I'll have to pull one out... SOON Watch for video. Should be interesting to see what they look like :)

[@BIGALTX]

Keep watching.. gonna pull one out soon

[@chugginbeers]

Overwatering

[@BIGALTX]

Perhaps.. but these tubs "weep out" any excess water... so I really don't think so