Blackberry, Natchez

Blackberries may be planted as bare root or potted plants. Choose a well-drained, sunny location with no standing water. Prepare the soil before planting by mixing compost or other organic matter in with the soil. Work the soil deeply. Space canes 3 feet apart in rows 6 feet apart. Dig each hole to twice the size of the root mass. Plant blackberries 100 feet away from red raspberries. Planting Bare Root Plants: Before planting, trim very long or broken roots. Cut back top growth to 6 inches. Set roots 1-2 inches deeper than formerly grown. Back fill with loose soil. Gently press soil in around the root ball. Transplants need good root-to-soil contact. Do not press too hard because that can cause soil compaction and root damage. Gently water around the root ball to settle the soil and drive out air pockets. After planting be sure to mark the plants with plant labels so you know where they are and what varieties they are. Mulch with 2-3 inches of compost of pine needles to retain moisture and prohibit weed growth.