Learn How to Grow Wild Blackberries

If there is one thing I’ve learned from my stepdad, it’s that raspberries and blackberries are resilient and very hard to kill. (: Even after mowing and weed-eating them, they come up year after year after year after year, roots still thriving and spreading well below the soil! Why I’m glad he taught me this (even though he doesn’t know it)… it’s a perk when it comes to foraging and growing them in your own backyard. Because no matter what, (poor soil, too much or too little sun, too much or too little water, etc.) the little suckers are probably going to thrive. So, let’s learn how to grow wild blackberries.

First things first, you must locate a patch of wild blackberries! (Warning: never trespass!!!! Ask your friends, family, on social media, etc. if anyone has any that you could forage and take… there’s always someone that knows where there are some, especially older folks).

Okay, moving on.

This is going to be super complicated.

Ready?

With leather gloves on preferably, grab the base of a healthy looking blackberry plant and slowly pull it out, trying to retain the long roots.

Wah-la! That’s it.

Like I said, blackberries and raspberries are hardier than hardy! As long as you have a good section of root, the plant will more than likely grow.

After you’ve gathered as many roots/stems as you need, take them to your growing spot of choice and get ready to plant them!

Dig holes about 4-5 inches deep and 4-5 inches around. Space the holes AT LEAST 2-3 feet apart to allow for growth and spreading.

I normally place 2 rooted stems per hole, because they are wild and they shock of moving them might kill them (but is unlikely).

Even if the plant appears to be dead above soil, chances are the roots are still doing their thing and are getting ready to shoot a new stem somewhere else. (At least this has been my experience).

All right, so now you need to fill the hole with dirt, pack the soil lightly, and water.

Then wait.

The berries will grow with very minimal effort from you. Just make sure to pay attention to how much water they are getting (wetter is better than dry).

Now, be warned!!!!!!

Blackberries are aggressive growers. They (and raspberries) will continue to spread, so you need to pick a spot that can allow and accommodate that kind of growth.

I placed my plants in between my blueberry bushes. Blueberries and blackberries are excellent companion plants, but I will be very vigilant and immediately remove any stems that are trying to grow where they are not meant to grow! If I don’t, I’ll need a jagger-proof outfit to pick my blueberries! (: