2019 Blackberries

A couple of my canes didn't make it through the year but the biggest one did, its almost as big around at its base as the T-post it is planted by. I also put in another post to the right of this picture and strung 2 more lines for the vines to grow on. I'll probably plant another vine so it can get started in case my biggest cane dies this Winter. I didn't bother covering them with netting last year and didn't seem to have a bird problem, so unless I notice a problem I'm not going to bother this year...it was a pain to pick them when I covered them a few years ago.

They are blooming. The flowers seem bigger than in years past. I don't if that means the berries will be bigger or if it means anything at all.

Starting to ripen. I'll probably pick a few tomorrow. I did notice one was eaten by a bird or something. I may end up putting a net over them. I haven't had a problem with birds in the past.

Looks like a bumper crop.

I do not know the lifespan of a given cane. At what point do you start the replacement plant?

My first cane was planted 3 years ago and died last winter so I planted a replacement in the Spring(not in the picture)

I had to cover them in a net to keep the birds off them.


... but that wasn't enough to keep the little girls out of them. Looks like I'll have to buy blackberries for 2019 wine.

Yep, Blackberries and vanilla ice cream, BB and cereal, BB and condensed milk, killing me.

I'm thinking you have the best harvest help anyone could ask for.

I planted Arapahoe blackberry bushes in 2011, one has survived, at least until last year since I haven't checked on it this year. It keeps 3 or 4 stems, when one dies, another takes it's place. Since it is out on my hunting land, it gets very little attention, unless I'm out doing something in the area. It has survived because the entire area is covered with wild blackberry brambles, which are usually full, just hard to get to.
Back in 2017 when I rebuilt my stand, this bush gave me some snacks.


This is one of the hills with the most berries. You can get a decent amount from the edges.


The blackberries are practically identical, except the thorns.

Picked over 3 pounds this morning

Picking blackberries can be some hard work...but well worth it.

The BB's over some vanilla ice cream or just condensed milk would sure make a nice desert.

Congratulations, that path of yours is very productive.