I FOUND THE SECRET TO BLACKBERRY PRODUCTION - PRIME ARK FREEDOM BLACKBERRIES

[@jimmywyatt4144]

I'm a blackberry farmer and I learned something. They make awesome wine! Thank you sir!

[@BIGALTX]

You bet! kzbin.info/www/bejne/kKLFoGV7pJamqqM

[@craigg.2546]

Have kept prime ark 45 & freedom for 8-9 years. Never had blackberries grow so big till these. Like an egg!! Am moving some to another location in this 2 acres. Need to clean out a new area. We love blackberries!!!!!!😊

[@BIGALTX]

So glad to hear of your success with these varieties. Thanks for sharing!

[@Chewie576]

Thanks for the tip!! I have 2 yr old Freedoms and Travelers. I see more flowers on the first year canes of the Travelers and I'm not going to cut them. The Freedoms grow SO TALL, I have to cut them 6 ft tall. Interesting the cane of the Freedom is smooth, and the cane of the Traveler is velvety feeling. I love these berries. They just melt in your mouth. Pure sweetness.

[@BIGALTX]

You are so welcome!

[@rogerdavenport9618]

Just finished picking my last ones, I mulched my vines this year and it helped a lot, mine are in the ground, orange barrier netting helped keep birds out good video thanks.

[@BIGALTX]

You're right... mulching helps. I had all my berries mulched heavily when they were in the ground: I need to put a couple of inches of mulch in these containers...

[@melindaroth214]

OH WOW, GREAT INFORMATION BROTHER. NEVER KNEW THAT. THANK YOU SO MUCH.

[@BIGALTX]

Glad to help

[@scampofscamps8080]

Alan, I just won a local auction selling off about 25 of those cattle/horse molasses and grain sweet feed buckets. Going to build out a black berry row.

[@BIGALTX]

Wow... sweet score... congrats!

[@TheCajunHomestead]

Very interesting, good info. I used bird netting and a blow up snake to keep the birds out off my berries years ago. Birds dive bomb the snake. My Akita /Black mouth cur. would eat the berries through the netting. Caught him on my surveillance cameras.

[@BIGALTX]

Wow... never seen a dog eat berries... hahaha

[@cynthiafisher9907]

@@BIGALTX We used to have a dog that would eat our raspberries right off the canes. They were prickly, so he would curl his lips way back so he didn’t get poked. Pretty funny looking!

[@frankenz66]

We used red blackberries to catch pond Brim fish when I was a kid. They would hit that all day. The bright colors maybe.

[@susanchristy6907]

My shepard would stand on his hind legs to reach blackberries and eat 'em all summer long right off the plants.

[@cheritait8116]

Making my mouth water just looking at those beautiful berries.

[@BIGALTX]

You and me both!

[@DV-ol7vt]

You’ve about sold me on those blackberries. My ground won’t grow blackberries, I guess I will use my wicking tubs that I plant my tomatoes in and plant the tomatoes in the ground next year. That was a good video and some good information. Thanks

[@BIGALTX]

Or... build more tubs! hahaha

[@shashakeeleh5468]

Beautiful berries! I can't believe the birds aren't taking them all; they sure do go for mine. Great pruning ideas!

[@BIGALTX]

Thanks for visiting

[@rogerknight2267]

So glad i found your video. It’s my first anniversary this spring with my thornless blackberry plant. It has three laterals that have produced berries this year. My four year old granddaughter goes to it every day just hoping for one more berry. It’s awesome. I guess I should go ahead and trim the laterals since they have already produced this spring. Sounds like in doing so I’ll be encouraging a fall crop. Headed out to some local nurseries now in search of more plants. Thank you so much for sharing!!

[@TNorin]

I'm never shy about pruning the leading shoot or really long laterals. Two or more quickly take their place.

[@BIGALTX]

You betcha. And, all the new growth is where you get most of your blackberries next year. 👍🏻😊

[@camiele4]

So glad I watch your video before I plant mine tomorrow. I had no idea they can grow that big.

[@BIGALTX]

You will really enjoy growing them. Blackberries are not that hard to grow, but are very rewarding. Thanks for watching!

[@sharonjennings1282]

Thanks for this. Mine currently aren’t trellised and they are vining. I guess I will Just have to put up a fence and secure them because I sure don’t want to miss out on errors again this year. Thanks so very much. I can re trellis them after the have produced and prune them then. 🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻❤️❤️

[@BIGALTX]

Let me know how it goes 👍😃

[@TnT_F0X]

Thanks for the Tips. My first year with Blackberries fruiting, Good to know I can prune them right after the ends fruit, I'm struggling to keep it contained in a large basket at the time being. My Primark and White Blackberry are just waking up, I was worried they died over the winter. My Early Variety is almost blooming, another 3-5 days and they'll open up. Cant wait for tasty berries without the exorbitant pricing! These plants cost me as much as 7oz of berries each :D

[@BIGALTX]

Wow.. THAT might be the best bargain you've ever got. I hope yours do well I have an extensive Playlist on raising blackberries here: kzbin.info/aero/PLutBw50GI1zw4o2K4wXDuUvB3GaD3hfmK And Container blackberries here: kzbin.info/aero/PLutBw50GI1zw9M4UxWAN3n9yeJ_WYS8TD Hope I can help alan

[@mailywong9612]

Great video, thanks so much for sharing the info

[@duanerosengartner3968]

I think I have flourocane. Sometimes the cane dies after producing but sometimes I get laterals. This time of year is heavy growth, mid summer, and the same trick applies. let the roots feed your laterals and cut to the ground anything. That isn't new and growing strong. Got 2 gal/day in the suburbs. Jealous of that farm life you've got going! Blessings to you (again) for sharing.

[@BIGALTX]

It's pretty obvious when to prune out the old canes. They will die out. Don't completely prune out anything that is green and growing. Even the Primocanes will die out when they produce berries in the SECOND year.

[@wzafar7099]

Healthy and bushy plants.

[@BIGALTX]

Thanks!

[@earlharris571]

Great information as I am planting (March 2024) 100 Prime Freedom and 100 Apache plants. This is in addition to the Ouchita and Navaho plants in their fourth year.

[@BIGALTX]

Fantastic... Glad it was helpful!

[@teresabrooks9887]

Oh, I like how you planted them in the tubs and not in the ground

[@BIGALTX]

They’ve been in these tubs for four years. Seem to be doing great. You ought to give it a try 😊

[@diamondcoachcurtis40]

You really got me started growing years ago. I've got to watch some updates. My Freedoms and Travlers have gotten a yellow leaf rust that gets in cane and kills it back.. sometimes all the way. Looks like you went to containers.. I'll watch to see why. My orginal ten plants ran across yard to about 100 canes. I hope we might be able to talk berries some times. I want a acre of these and leaning toward Travelers because of their shipping ability.

[@BIGALTX]

Travs didn't do well for me :( Here's what I did for rust: kzbin.info/www/bejne/iaiqeGCQl5aFr6c

[@michaeldoucetsr.8704]

Im growing kiowa blackberries. TY sir.

[@BIGALTX]

I think Kiowa blackberries are a "Floricane" variety. If so, this pruning plan would NOT work because they will not produce berries on THIS year's canes. Floricanes produce on LAST year's canes. So, just prune them as you would a floricane.

[@gregdelong1539]

Thanks for the advise can't wait to try it next year.

[@BIGALTX]

Always glad to help 😊

[@barbaraperry2796]

Smart! Thank you.

[@BIGALTX]

Glad it was helpful!

[@valerie362]

Thank you!!! This was super helpful! We've been doing our first garden this year and I just got a seedlings blackberry plant from Sam's in March. I couldn't find any information on the weird growth pattern it's doing. Now I know the laterals are blooming on the first year. I was so confused by the couple of flowers on it. It's too hot for much to grow anymore in south Mississippi. I'm going to go try to understand the growth pattern this evening when the sun goes over since I have all of this new information. Thanks again!!

[@BIGALTX]

Do you remember what variety of blackberry?

[@valerie362]

@@BIGALTX I think it's a made up name to sell them lol. I got a blackberry and blueberry plant, pretty sure they're some kind of hybrid. I want to say it was cotton candy or something else sugary. I will look for the box we saved to be sure. When I looked at it yesterday there were 2 more branches with flowers. The last one started to make a berry but we're drowning in pestilence down here in south MS

[@valerie362]

@@BIGALTX Sorry it took so long, I finally found the box for the blackberry plant. It says it's "Baby Cakes" a dwarf thornless plant. According to the instructions it can make fruit in 18 months and get 2 harvests a season. Then it says 3-4ft tall, so perfect for patios, but ours already has shoots longer than that. It put on some more flowers too but they didn't turn into anything. Hopefully next spring. I've already made room in the garage to over winter stuff.

[@lianagilbert61]

Made my mouth water! I need to do this!

[@BIGALTX]

Yes you DO! 😎👍

[@kamadogrove]

This is awesome. Thanks for sharing!

[@BIGALTX]

You bet!

[@charleywalker2982]

Thanks for sharing your videos and keep them coming please.

[@BIGALTX]

Will do, Charlie! Thanks for watching!

[@ISayFinn]

Awesome voice and presentation! Great content! Will model my blackberry patch after yours TexasP! Thanks for sharing...no doubt you saved me years of trial and error!

[@BIGALTX]

Good to have you. Here's my CONTAINER Blackberry Playlist: kzbin.info/aero/PLutBw50GI1zw9M4UxWAN3n9yeJ_WYS8TD Here's my Blackberry playlist: kzbin.info/aero/PLutBw50GI1zw4o2K4wXDuUvB3GaD3hfmK

[@richardowen5437]

I always take a few sun leaves of before trimming ..it's gets that but to grow out it' work with tomato and more try it and the trimming I put in as cuttings to give Frends or sell

[@BIGALTX]

Sounds like a plan 👍🏻

[@happytomeetyou.3027]

I am planting Prime Ark Freedom south of you in Zone 9a. I imagine mine may make fruit a little earlier than yours. How much lateral growth do you get after pruning until Fall Fruit?? Thanks so much

[@BIGALTX]

A lot. Depends on fertilization, sunshine, lots of things… But the laterals will really grow long if you left them. I like to prune the laterals at about 16 to 18 inches. Sometimes I miss a few and they get really long. If you prune laterals they will produce more berries.

[@KevW-z7z]

Are triple crowns good in north Alabama? I can't believe they're just growing in Buckets like that. I've never seen that before but I'm new. Just got 10 triple crowns 2 years old delivered this morning and trying to learn all i can before i plant them

[@BIGALTX]

I’ve never grown triple crown but I understand it’s a great variety. I’m sure they will do fine in containers. I’ve got three different varieties in these containers and all of them do well. Give it a try, I think you’ll like it! 😊

[@Dynaglide92rc]

I have been watching and learning about Blackberries from you for several years . Mine are in the ground and I am wondering , I remember you cut yours all completly down one time and I believe they grew back . Should I do this too. They are 6 years old this Spring and are not looking as good as they used too. Thanks again for all the help, County Line Gardener.

[@BIGALTX]

Years ago I cut mine back because they were looking bad No, they never got much better. Mine were about 7 or 8 years old BBs have a lifespan. Varieties differ as to what that lifespan is. I don't think cutting them back will do you any good. It might be time to buy more and start over... (or propagate these for free plants)

[@langelatallent5460]

Such beautiful plants 🪴😍!!! Two questions, how often do you change or refresh the soil, and what fertilizer do you use? An amazing video, and I will follow your advice 😀!!! Thank you so much 😊!!!

[@BIGALTX]

This is only my 2nd year with berries in tubs, but I don't ever plan to refresh the soil. I don't think I need to. Adding compost or wood chips to mulch the top will replenish to a certain extent. When I plant the plants I used 10-20-10 around the inside ring of the tub. Since then I use some water soluble fert. Or some 13-13-13 granular. I like to fertilize every 2 weeks or so with water soluble, but if I'm using granular, I'll fert every month or 2. Here's a video explaining my program: kzbin.info/www/bejne/hZDGq2trp6aejas

[@debbannon354]

Your blackberries are looking great! So much better than ours, by far. Where do you get those big pots that you grow your berries in? Do you have a video about your irrigation system? Thanks!

[@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 Irrigation system (blackberries are at about 8:30): kzbin.info/www/bejne/ZqerhmuVm8eNZs0 Hope that helps, alan

[@sundownfarms2731]

Thank you for sharing 🧡

[@BIGALTX]

You are so welcome!

[@Cutter-jx3xj]

Very cool. That's stuff I didn't know

[@BIGALTX]

Glad to help!

[@ClickinChicken]

we have wild raspberries now in MN. I've been enjoying them. you and i go back to Larry Hall and black berries. I used Burgess Darrow, and I bought Prime Ark thorn less off one of your early vids. It's not working... I've ate maybe one. LOL so that's how I enjoy the show. Larry was my buddy. ok Or I was Larry's buddy. Mom never wanted me to watch Gilligan's Island.

[@BIGALTX]

I miss 'ol Larry :(

[@Notmyhome-y7y]

I have, what I think are wild blackberries. They have stickers all over them. I carefully pick a few here and there, but get stickers more than not.

[@BIGALTX]

Ha ha ha… Yes, thorns are painful. That’s why I only grow thornless blackberries now.

[@Hatfield_Country]

Good stuff. I need to establish some berry plants.

[@BIGALTX]

Get some "Primocane" berries. This pruning method is for Primocanes only.

[@Hatfield_Country]

@@BIGALTX thanks for the info brother.

[@jtharp9265]

Very informative thank you , watching now

[@BIGALTX]

Glad it was helpful!

[@hackdlc]

This definitely been a non typical Texas summer.

[@BIGALTX]

Yep... for sure

[@pmctee]

By the way, I was going to use plastic containers like you have but then realized they would only last a few years in the Texas heat and Winters. So I'm thinking about corrugated metal. All of my other garden beds are metal so I'm thinking at least the last longer.

[@BIGALTX]

Corrugated metal is a good choice, but you can’t make “wicking tubs“ out of them. These blue tubs should last 5 to 7 years, I think.

[@RevivalHomeDecor]

I love your channel. Been following for years

[@BIGALTX]

Thanks so much, Karen! 😍

[@chairmanmeow3693]

Very informative! Thank you.

[@BIGALTX]

You are welcome!

[@joannmiller4034]

Thanks for the video.

[@BIGALTX]

You bet Thanks for watching!

[@brent9516]

I grow a dozen variety blackberries and raspberries, PrimeArk freedom are by far the most prolific and hardy

[@BIGALTX]

Good to know. I've found that to be true also :)

[@donnayoung5942]

Great info! Thanks

[@BIGALTX]

Glad it was helpful!

[@mikeash7428]

How about that! I was working on my berries today as a second year beginner and will try this technique on some of them. Do you have videos on your pot mix and fertilization? Your plants look very healthy.

[@BIGALTX]

Check out my Playlist on container blackberries. There are videos in that playlist that cover just about every phase of blackberry production, especially in containers.

[@great0789]

I have a few prime ark travelers that will be going into the ground soon. As well as a few similar behaving raspberry cultivars. I need to get a few freedom BBs to go with them.

[@BIGALTX]

My Traveler berries didn't do well, (the gophers got them). But I've heard they are really good.

[@lindayoung6882]

My Travelers have not produced very well, considering pulling them up and replacing with Ponca or more Prime Ark Freedoms . I’m in NE Tx

[@BIGALTX]

@@lindayoung6882 I would recommend Freedoms. The Poncas are supposed to be sweeter, but they are "floricane" berries, so they only produce berries in the spring. The Freedom berries are "primocane" and produce 2 crops (spring... and summer thru fall) All my Travelers died pretty quick. I'm not impressed by them.

[@great0789]

@@lindayoung6882 That is interesting that both or your Travelers kicked the bucket so easily. I wonder if it is a PH or water/humidity issue. I am about to order some Freedoms soon. I want to try the Ponca as well since they are so sweet. I just can’t find them anywhere. However, I saw that I can get Freedom from Startbros in bulk.

[@michaeldoucetsr.8704]

Since you are on drip, how and when do you fertilize and do you use micro boost from hoss? Mike in Orange, Tx.

[@BIGALTX]

I use the fertilizer injector about once a month or so (sometimes every two weeks) I need to use the MicroBoost at that time too... but sometimes forget :(

[@prisillaspace]

I dug up a blackberry plant from a garden, not sure what variety, it’s been growing lots of canes, but no flowers or berries yet. 🥺

[@rehoboth_farm]

When did you transplant it?

[@BIGALTX]

If you don't have any blooms or berries right now, it is probably a "floricane" variety. If so, DON'T prune it like this. This method is for Primocane berries only.

[@prisillaspace]

@@rehoboth_farm Over a year ago?? Maybe 2??? 😅 Thanks!

[@prisillaspace]

@@BIGALTX Thank you! I’ll look that up!

[@prisillaspace]

@@rehoboth_farm Thank you!!! 🥺🥰💖🌟💐🙏

[@anthonymarquez2035]

Thank you 👍🤠

[@BIGALTX]

You bet. Glad to help!

[@charmingcharizard9609]

Great info would love to get some cuttings from you . I live in east tx and we are putting a orchard and berry patch in .

[@BIGALTX]

Sorry, I just don't have any right now...

[@TheRedneckprepper]

AWESOME

[@BIGALTX]

Thanks 🤗

[@kiteclem35]

thank you :) . Very inspiring.

[@BIGALTX]

You are so welcome!

[@user-pw2hx9qw5o]

Have you had birds spread seeds on your property? I'm considering growing them in pots, but I considering the invasive nature of the plants. Thanks! Great channel with useful information!

[@BIGALTX]

I don’t worry about birds spreading seeds. Especially not blackberry seeds. As far as the invasiveness of blackberries, that’s one reason I started growing in pots. If you keep them in pots, they do not invade places where you don’t want them.

[@eyeonart6865]

Is anyone going to ever show how to plant and care for?

[@BIGALTX]

I’ve got two blackberry playlists that show how to do everything involved in planting and taking care of blackberries.

[@dianneepperson8910]

Reason for planting in a pot versus in ground? Just a few plants for home use

[@BIGALTX]

My age, weeds, ease of use, ease of picking, disease control, gophers and mole... so many reasons I DO plant in the ground too.

[@dianneepperson8910]

Great reasons will do

[@thechaosgardener]

I noticed this as well attempting to tip propagate primocane blackberries. I attempt to propagate and have to bury berries

[@BIGALTX]

You could do that AFTER you harvest the berries, I think

[@cassityart7001]

Very cool! Will do this. We grow Triple Crown and have had a long season this year. While we are only growing 100 feet I can see some Prima cane and leaf stress. What and when do you give these canes nutrition? Ie...compost. Thanks!

[@BIGALTX]

I think the Triple Crown berries are a "Floricane" variety. If so, they should NOT be pruned like this. They should be pruned in the traditional way. These berries (Prime Ark Freedom) are "Primocane" berries. They bear on THIS year's canes. That's why I'm getting berries right now on this year's growth, and pruning them this way. Prune your TC berries like you always have. I'll do a "Floricane pruning" video, hopefully next week.

[@freddymmccall2062]

question please. i will be planting these late this winter. will the tips produce the 1st year. Will the laterals produce later the first year also? thanks

[@BIGALTX]

Yes it will... on whatever grew LAST year. And will produce later in the spring from new growth... IF they are the Primocane variety like these Prime Ark Freedom berries

[@mike1968442]

God bless Texas, I’m in Mason.

[@BIGALTX]

Hill country!! 👍😎

[@BlueAdept596]

How do you keep the birds from eating all of your berries? I'm just northeast of Austin and the birds eat mine while they are still red.

[@kamadogrove]

I keep netting bags over my blueberries.

[@BIGALTX]

I find some that are pecked on from time to time. But mainly, I just plant enough for me and them :)

[@BIGALTX]

In this video you can see some CDs and DVDs I hang above the berries to scare the birds away: kzbin.info/www/bejne/l3imk4J5icR8d6M

[@duanerosengartner3968]

I took a 20x20 plastic serving tray from fruit I purchased at grocery. hung this on a pole and set 2 stakes in the ground close enough to act as a wind chime. Slowed them down.

[@duanerosengartner3968]

My plan B included a sling shot. I don't have the aim to hit a bird, but I have sights on that tray

[@johac7637]

Have you tried Mazzei venturi fert. injection. Im in Arizona for the cool season, and set up a injection system, i control with a wi fi solinoid valve when i let the fert. into the watering system.

[@BIGALTX]

I use a fertilizer injector on most of my plants. However, it’s not the one you mentioned. Probably works the same though…

[@KatherineRoseArt]

I'm growing sweetie piece blackberries (in ground). Do you know if they a variety that needs a trellis set up? i cant seem to find a definitive answer anywhere.

[@BIGALTX]

I've never grown that variety. I would highly suggest a trellis for any blackberry. I set one up in this video: kzbin.info/www/bejne/aXO3ZoBjqsqSedk

[@myjo24de]

Great info! I’ve got three one year old Prime Arc Freedom blackberries in pots z6. I got some berries last summer, and there are loads of buds this year all along the cane. But I only have 2 canes coming out of the crown in all 3 pots. What can I do to encourage more canes from the crown? Thanks!

[@BIGALTX]

If you're in Zone 6 I'm surprised you seen any growth yet. I'm in 8 and I'm just now seeing some decent growth. I think if you'll be patient, you'll see new canes coming up. Since you are seeing growth, you should probably fertilize. I like water soluble 20-20-20 but you can use granular too. Sometimes I use 13-13-13, but not too much, It will burn. Maybe 2 or 3 TBS of the granular and try to keep it away from the crown (put it around the ring of the container)

[@judyjahnz2363]

Is there some reason you grow in pots instead of in the ground?

[@BIGALTX]

Many reasons for container gardening. I have lots of land and DO plant some crops in the soil (corn, peas, beans, taters, okra, etc) I'm getting older and containers are just easier than plowing through my red clay soil. Also, I got tired of things drowning out, washing away, etc. This is just easier... AND many times it's more productive. As far as container blackberries... No gophers, no runners coming up where you don't want them, no grass invading the rows... Lots of reasons I'm going to do a video on that topic soon. Keep watching! 👍😎

[@tallen0609]

I didn’t know my blackberry bush was a primo blackberry bush….I’ve had it two years and was wondering why it was producing on first year canes

[@BIGALTX]

Ha ha ha… A happy surprise! 😊

[@sharonjennings1282]

So honestly, I am in my backyard. I have the biggest tangled mess with my blackberry bushes because I didn’t prune them at the end of last season and the lateral branches are all like 10 feet long. It’s just kind of a big sprawling crazy mess. I’m not so sure that I’m going to see blackberries because a lot of the tip cities don’t appear tohave leaves. I am going to tie them up to smog panel but I am just wondering if I should just eat it this year and cut them all back and then attach them to the hog panel. I’m trying to untangle the mess right now, so let me know what you think. I would really appreciate your help.

[@BIGALTX]

I would not cut them back. Let them go ahead and bloom and produce fruit. Then those canes will die, and you can cut them back, then and watch the new growth… The primocanes, grow for next year. Prune them as necessary throughout the summer. But, if it was me… I would not cut them back. You could prune them a little bit just to make them more manageable, but I would not cut them completely back.

[@sharonjennings1282]

@@BIGALTXthank you again. Fingers crossed!

[@Yahawah144Elect]

What kind of fertilizer do you use?

[@afrocraft1]

2 questions to better understand your theory, please: 1) Are you saying that if you _do_ prune the laterals at ~18 inches before fruiting per usual, you'll lose the summer production? And is that mostly because your TX summer is too hot? 2) If you let the laterals grow and then prune _after_ summer production, do they still fruit in fall?

[@BIGALTX]

Great questions... 1) I do think you WILL lose a lot of summer production if you prune the laterals too soon 2) Not sure... I don't really remember what they did last year, but will monitor close this year and report to everyone Mine are starting to bloom right now so look for a "Lateral Pruning/Blooming" video next week It should answer all your questions... _or make you have even more hahaha_ Stay tuned :)

[@afrocraft1]

@@BIGALTX Thanks! Looking forward to the video.

[@NHJDT]

What are the benefits of growing blackberries in containers versus the ground

[@BIGALTX]

There are lots of pros and cons. I'm going to be doing a video on that in the next week or so. Stick around 😎

[@Dena777]

I need to know when I put the cane in dirt to propagate new plants how do I know when to cut it from the main bush?

[@BIGALTX]

Probably depends on a lot of factors. Like soil temperatures, soil, quality, time of year, etc. If it was me, I think I would do it right now and just let it go all winter. Or, if you want to get them potted up before winter, just wait 2 or 3 months. It should be well rooted by then.

[@Dena777]

Thank you Im not in a rush so I think Ill leave them all winter. Im going to plant them in my back yard so this will give me till Spring to prepare the beds Thank you so much for your help​@BIGALTX

[@joannmiller4034]

Which zone are you in ? Will the buckets of berries freeze in the winter, how do you protect them?

[@BIGALTX]

I'm in zone 8. The tubs don't seem to present any problems. Below zero temps however, did hurt some of my canes: kzbin.info/www/bejne/eYO3gWWwrLihppo kzbin.info/www/bejne/oZLQipyrfJuZkLM You need a variety that will handle cold temps

[@pmctee]

Yeah, I decided to go ahead and go with the plastic ones because of two reasons. One is the metal is just out of my price range right now and two because I have some really good plastic pots already. I'm very confused about the whole wicking thing. You're putting a liner on top of it also I don't really understand how the plant is able to get to the water.

[@BIGALTX]

Here are the best resources I can point you to on the 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 Hope that helps,

[@pmctee]

@@BIGALTX Thx! You're the best.

[@garyepstein8764]

A flora cane on my freedom blackberry has reached a height of 8 feet and 9 inches. it's August 3 in coastal California. should I cut off the apical bud?

[@BIGALTX]

I prune mine at about 4 feet tall. When you prune them, they will start producing more laterals. The Laterals are where you get most of your berries. So it’s always a good idea to prune.

[@RichM-ij8vr]

Great video! I have some volunteers that came up in my garden this year. If I understood correctly, there are varieties that bear fruit on the primocanes and varieties that bear fruit on the flurocanes? That was news to me. Is that right? And is there anyway I can tell what variety they are? I'm in a community with 132 gardeners so I have no idea what variety my volunteers might be.

[@BIGALTX]

If they are “volunteers“ they are probably wild blackberries. Maybe not, but it’s really hard to determine what variety they might be.

[@markcarter4504]

Do you root the cuttings or toss them? I have read that you can propagate them easily. Thanks!

[@BIGALTX]

I used to propagate a lot but not much anymore. Yes, blackberries are easy to propagate. Here's my Playlist on propagation: Plant Propagation Playlist: kzbin.info/aero/PLutBw50GI1zz6FQnlzg5v5RDP5dEgJQU6

[@pmctee]

How are you keeping the birds from eating them?

[@BIGALTX]

I'm sure they get a few, but doesn't seem to be a problem for me I just planted enough to give them a few and I get the rest 👍😎

[@lindayurk4367]

Ok the plants I bought say to mow them down to start over so maybe I shouldn’t ?

[@BIGALTX]

I wouldn't I just don't understand why anyone gives those directions Puzzling to me

[@genewhite3361]

Are you doing this for your Ponca also?

[@BIGALTX]

NO...the Ponca berries are a "Floricane" variety. Poncas should be pruned in the traditional way. These berries (Prime Ark Freedom) are "Primocane" berries. They bear on THIS year's canes. That's why I'm getting berries right now on this year's growth, and pruning them this way.

[@sharonjennings1282]

So I pruned my berries last year in March and some of the canes were 4 to 5 feet long. I prune them all back. I did not get very many berries, so I am hopeful that if I don’t prune them this spring that I will have the same results as you. is it OK to let those warm canes stay as is if I secure them to a fence? They are thornless as well.

[@BIGALTX]

Don’t prune berries in the early spring. The canes that you have now (last years canes) are the canes that will produce berries this spring. If you prune them out, you’re taking away all your production. Prune the NEW canes in the summer when they come up and start getting out of hand.

[@MakePeace123]

Whats your favorite varieties that do well in Texas?

[@BIGALTX]

I like the Prime Ark Freedom blackberries They have done the best for me BUT... REALLY cold weather can hurt them a little See this video: kzbin.info/www/bejne/oZLQipyrfJuZkLM

[@wadewilson5296]

Where do you get your primocane plants?

[@BIGALTX]

I got all these from Bob Wells Nursery: bobwellsnursery.com/ Mention me and I think he's still giving a 10% discount: Discount Code = *TP2*

[@tkjarrard]

I've had a bad case of leaf curl on my Prime Ark Freedoms. Very frustrating.

[@BIGALTX]

Fungus? If so, spray some LiquaCop on them.

[@rondaanderson1390]

Could you address insect control?

[@BIGALTX]

I’ll try to do that soon. Stay tuned :-)

[@kaitym9012]

This is our first year of planting berries along one of our fence lines. We have a 200' run of 5' fencing that should work as a great trellis. Noting that this video is aged a year, how did your technique work through 2022?

[@BIGALTX]

Fantastic. Would have worked better if we weren't in a drought. Not near as many berries...

[@DanLiese]

i noticed pots vs in the ground for your berries? What is better and also you have drip irrigation is that customized tubing where water only comes out at top of pot?

[@BIGALTX]

Yes, on the irrigation As to the Pros and Cons of ground vs tub.. I'm doing a video on that soon Keep watching! 😎 This will help though: kzbin.info/www/bejne/nJKooYRrZ52FbK8

[@brandonwhite5955]

The nursery I bought my prime ark freedoms say to top at 12”, 30”, and then again at top of trellis. Do you agree with this or do you just top once at top of trellis? Thanks

[@BIGALTX]

I'm just showing what I do. I prune at the top of the trellis and they have done great You might want to try the different methods on a couple of the plants and see which one you like best Let me know

[@capcats]

where can I buy these blackberry plants?

[@BIGALTX]

My first choice is Bob Wells: bobwellsnursery.com/product/prime-ark-freedom-thornless-blackberry-plant/ Give them the Discount Code "TP2" and you'll get 10% off. Other places I've bought online in the past are Nourse Farms and Stark Brothers. Hope that helps, alan

[@milagroslluisma3153]

How many gallon size are your planters

[@BIGALTX]

About 18 to 20 gallons. 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

[@terrypirius2814]

why the tubs instead of in the ground?

[@BIGALTX]

Gophers, uncontrolled spread of canes, weed control... several reasons. I had 700' of berries in the ground I like this better

[@brandonwhite5955]

Do you recommend all pvc pipe drip system or soaker tubing for in ground blackberries?

[@BIGALTX]

I've used just about everything for irrigation. For me, the soaker hose does great but doesn't last long (about one season) Then I used PVC: kzbin.info/www/bejne/raKzpZJ5brR7eJY I like drip tape, but it won't last but a year or two also. 1/2"drip tubing with emitters works well. That's what I do on my container berries, but will work on in-ground berries too. It will last multiple years, but emitters might get clogged and have to be replaced. Look at about 14:00 on this video to see the emitters: kzbin.info/www/bejne/ZqerhmuVm8eNZs0

[@priscillamutungi6627]

Very nice gardening, I would like to try this. Where do you buy the bear root plants from?.am in PA

[@BIGALTX]

I use Bob Wells Nursery in Texas. I've also used Nourse Farms (online) and Stark Brothers (online)

[@priscillamutungi6627]

@@BIGALTX am so pleased and thankful for this response, I know God uses people to bless others. I am going to order them as I continue to follow you to learn more on how to care for them. Thank you.

[@josephmcgee8450]

Where do you buy your P.A.F berry plants

[@BIGALTX]

Bob Wells Nursery (they may be out) Nourse Farms Stark Brothers

[@tralanakeaton7672]

Hello, I have a bushel and babycakes black berry bush. It is supposed to grow bushy, but it is growing straight up. Do you know how I get it to be a bush instead of a vine. I have been pinching the tops, and I have gotten side shoots.

[@BIGALTX]

I’m not familiar with that variety, but I don’t know of any variety that is supposed to be a “bush“. If you prune them at 3 feet tall, they will probably be more bush- like. Also, pruning the tops, always produces laterals. But, laterals are where you’re going to get most of your blackberries.

[@tralanakeaton7672]

Thank you!

[@chattincathyparr9535]

What type of fertilizer do you use on them? Thanks!

[@BIGALTX]

This video explains my fertilizing process: kzbin.info/www/bejne/hZDGq2trp6aejas

[@rebeccadees2300]

How did you make your trellis?

[@BIGALTX]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/jqTRlJhthM6DoK8

[@jayslaughter3362]

How well does the tubs work? I have never seen that before.

[@BIGALTX]

I love them.. especially for blackberries Here's my Playlist: kzbin.info/aero/PLutBw50GI1zw9M4UxWAN3n9yeJ_WYS8TD