Guest post by Katrina & Clayton
Blackberries are a quintessentially British fruit, known for their sweet tart flavour and versatility in the kitchen. In Scotland, blackberries grow prolifically in the wild, but they can also be cultivated in gardens, especially the thornless types with the right care and attention.
Growing Blackberries in Scotland
Blackberries (Rubus subg. Rubus) thrive in Scotland’s cooler climate, which offers the cool, moist conditions that these plants prefer. They are hardy and resilient, capable of withstanding cold winters and bouncing back each spring with vigorous growth.
Variety Selection: Choosing the right variety is crucial for successful blackberry cultivation in Scotland. Thornless varieties such as ‘Loch Ness,’ ‘Loch Tay,’ and ‘Loch Maree’ are particularly well suited to the Scottish climate, offering abundant yields without the hassle of dealing with thorns. These varieties are bred for their hardiness, high yield, and excellent flavour and makes it easier for children to help get involved with harvesting.
Climate Considerations: Scotland’s climate is ideal for blackberries, but certain areas, particularly in the Highlands and along the west coast, may experience cooler temperatures and higher rainfall. In these regions, providing some shelter from strong winds and ensuring good drainage can help prevent issues related to excess moisture.
Planting Blackberries
Timing: The best time to plant blackberries in Scotland is during the dormant season, from late autumn to early spring (November to March). This gives the plants time to establish roots before the growing season begins.
Site Selection: Choose a location with full sun to partial shade. Blackberries prefer at least 6-8 hours of sunlight per day, but they can tolerate some shade, especially in warmer parts of the country.
Soil Preparation: Blackberries thrive in well drained, fertile soil with a slightly acidic to neutral pH (5.5-7.0). Caledonian Topsoil or Caledonian Green Goodness are great to top up around the plants. Before planting, prepare the soil by removing weeds and incorporating organic matter this will improve soil structure and fertility, providing a strong foundation for your plants.
Planting Technique:
Spacing: Space blackberry plants about 1.5 to 2 metres (5-6 feet) apart in rows, with 2 to 3 metres (6-10 feet) between rows. This spacing allows for adequate air circulation and room for the plants to spread.
Planting Hole: Dig a hole large enough to accommodate the root ball. Place the plant in the hole, ensuring the roots are spread out evenly. The crown of the plant should be at soil level.
Backfilling and Watering: Backfill the hole with soil, firming it gently around the roots. Water thoroughly to settle the soil and eliminate air pockets.
Pruning Blackberries
Pruning is essential for maintaining healthy, productive blackberry plants. It encourages new growth, increases fruit production, and prevents the plants from becoming too tangled or overgrown.
Initial Pruning: In the first year after planting, allow the canes to grow freely without pruning. This helps the plants establish a strong root system.
Annual Pruning: Prune blackberries twice a year—once in late winter or early spring (February to March) and again after harvesting in late summer or early autumn (August to September).
Winter Pruning: Remove any dead, damaged, or diseased canes. Cut back the remaining canes to a manageable length, typically around 1.5-2 metres (5-6 feet). This encourages the plant to focus energy on producing fruit rather than excessive foliage.
Summer Pruning: After harvesting, remove the canes that have produced fruit, cutting them back to ground level. This allows the plant to redirect energy to the new canes that will bear fruit the following year.
Caring for Blackberries
Watering: Blackberries need consistent moisture, especially during the growing season. Water deeply and regularly, particularly during dry spells, to keep the soil evenly moist but not waterlogged. Mulching around the base of the plants helps retain moisture and suppress weeds.
Mulching: Mulch around blackberry plants with organic materials such as straw, wood chips, or compost. Mulching helps conserve soil moisture, suppress weeds, and improve soil fertility.
Pest and Disease Management: Blackberries are relatively resistant to pests and diseases, but they can occasionally be affected by aphids, spider mites, and fungal diseases such as powdery mildew. Regularly inspect your plants for signs of trouble and take prompt action if needed. Encourage beneficial insects, such as ladybugs, which help control pests naturally.
Companion Planting with Blackberries
Companion planting is an effective strategy in permaculture to improve plant health, deter pests, and increase yields.
Good Companions:
Herbs: Mint, borage, and chives can help repel aphids and other pests.
Nitrogen-fixing plants: Clover and beans improve soil fertility by fixing nitrogen, which benefits blackberry plants.
Flowering plants: Marigolds and nasturtiums attract pollinators and beneficial insects, enhancing fruit set and overall garden health.
Bad Companions:
Nightshades (e.g., tomatoes, potatoes): These plants are susceptible to similar diseases as blackberries, such as verticillium wilt, and should be planted away from blackberries to prevent cross-infection.
Raspberries: Blackberries and raspberries can share diseases, so it’s best to keep them separated to avoid the spread of pathogens.
Optimal Soil for Blackberries
Soil Requirements: Blackberries thrive in well-drained, loamy soil that is rich in organic matter. The soil should be slightly acidic to neutral, with a pH between 5.5 and 7.0. Good drainage is essential to prevent root rot, especially in Scotland’s wetter regions.
Soil Maintenance: Maintain soil health by adding organic mulch and compost annually such as Caledonian Topsoil or Caledonian Green Goodness. This not only improves soil fertility but also helps retain moisture and suppress weeds.
Growing blackberries in Scotland with the right variety selection, careful planting, and regular care, blackberries can thrive in Scotland’s climate, providing years of productive growth. By incorporating companion planting strategies, proper pruning, and maintaining optimal soil conditions, you can ensure your blackberry plants remain healthy, vigorous, and fruitful. Whether you’re looking to create a productive fruit garden or simply want to enjoy fresh, homegrown thornless canned blackberries, following these guidelines will help you succeed in cultivating this resilient and beloved plant in your Scottish garden.
Katrina & Clayton
Katrina & Clayton live with their family in East Ayrshire in Scotland and share their daily life in the garden on instagram @buildingfoodforest_scotland. They practice permaculture principles, reducing & repurposing waste whenever they can. Katrina shows how home educating in nature has helped Clayton thrive.
Clayton Completed The Grow and Learn Course with the Royal Caledonian Horticultural Society in 2022. This year he will be completing Level 2 Nurture Course. Clayton is 16, Autistic, Non Verbal & has been Home Educated for the last 6yrs. Both Katrina and husband Peter have studied the Permaculture Design Course PDC and PDC Pro over the last 5yrs, developing their garden from grass to an ongoing food forest.
They have featured on BBC Beechgrove Gardens, Gardeners World Magazine and write for Scotland Grows Magazine. Katrina has a series of children’s story books out following the life of Clayton in the garden. Available at Amazon.
See more and follow Katrina & Clayton at the links below:
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