Blackberries and raspberries are two of the most delicious and rewarding fruits to grow in your backyard. Both have that signature sweet-tart flavor perfect for snacking baking, jams and more. But can you actually grow blackberries and raspberries together successfully?
The short answer is yes! With some planning and care, these two berries can complement each other beautifully Growing blackberries and raspberries together provides some great benefits while also requiring a bit of extra disease prevention and management Follow these tips to create a thriving edible garden with blackberries and raspberries.
Benefits of Combining Blackberries and Raspberries
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Maximizes garden space: By planting blackberries and raspberries in the same garden bed or area, you make the most of your available space.
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Promotes pollination: Blackberries and raspberries bloom around the same timeframe, allowing bees and other pollinators to move between both plants. This cross-pollination can increase yields.
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Structural support Sturdy blackberry canes can act as a trellis for raspberry plants, supporting upward growth
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Extended harvest: Blackberries and raspberries don’t always ripen at the exact same time, spreading out your harvest.
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Flavorful desserts: Just imagine the pie, cobbler or smoothie potential with a mix of blackberries and raspberries!
Potential Drawbacks to Co-Planting
While blackberries and raspberries can thrive together, there are a couple potential drawbacks to be aware of:
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Disease transmission: Blackberries and raspberries can share certain diseases like anthracnose, powdery mildew and cane blights. Close proximity increases transmission risk.
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Root competition: The vigorous root systems of blackberries and raspberries may compete for space, water and nutrients if planted too closely.
Tips for Successful Co-Planting
With extra care and planning, you can overcome these challenges and enjoy a thriving edible garden with both blackberries and raspberries.
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Space plants at least 3-5 feet apart to prevent overcrowding of roots.
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Provide a trellis or support structure for upward raspberry growth.
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Choose disease-resistant blackberry and raspberry varieties when possible.
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Remove and dispose of any diseased plant material promptly.
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Improve airflow by pruning away excess foliage and canes.
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Use drip irrigation and mulch to reduce moisture on plants and discourage disease.
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Disinfect pruning shears between plants to prevent transmitting diseases.
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Plant raspberries away from wild brambles which may harbor diseases.
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Grow blackberries and raspberries in separate raised beds or containers if space is limited.
Ideal Growing Conditions for Blackberries and Raspberries
To give your blackberry and raspberry plants the best chance of thriving, provide the following growing conditions:
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Sunlight: At least 6-8 hours of full sun per day.
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Soil: Well-drained, nutrient-rich soil with lots of organic matter. Loamy soil is ideal.
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pH: Slightly acidic pH between 5.5-6.5.
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Water: Consistent moisture, especially while fruit is developing. Use drip irrigation.
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Support: Trellises, posts and wires to support upright growth.
Harvest and Enjoyment
Once established and properly cared for, blackberries and raspberries will reward you with a bountiful harvest. Ripe berries will easily detach from the plant when gently pulled. Pick berries every couple of days once ripening begins.
Enjoy your harvest right away, freeze extras for later, or get creative in the kitchen! Bake blackberry and raspberry pies, blend into smoothies, simmer into jam or fold into yogurt parfaits. Your edible garden will provide that sweet-tart berry flavor all season long.
Growing blackberries and raspberries together is a fun way to maximize garden space while enjoying two of summer’s tastiest fruits. Follow these tips to overcome potential challenges and enjoy a thriving edible landscape. With a bit of planning and care, your blackberry and raspberry plants can live together in berry-filled harmony!
How to Grow Blackberries and Raspberries
FAQ
Will raspberries and blackberries cross pollinate?
How to grow raspberry and blackberry bushes?
Can you plant blueberries and raspberries close to each other?
Can you plant blackberries and raspberries together?
If you want to co-plant blackberries and raspberries, you might consider planting varieties that are known to be disease resistant. Regular pruning will also increase airflow around the plants. Pruning can also reduce the danger of fungus. What Can You Not Plant Next to Blackberries and Raspberries? Blackberries are real space hogs!
How do raspberries & blackberries grow?
Raspberries and blackberries grow a little differently than other common berries. Often called caneberries, these plants produce their fruits on canes that grow from the plant’s “crown” — the part of the plant right at ground level, where roots below ground and canes above ground meet.
Can you grow blackberries & raspberries bare rooted?
However, you should be warned that blackberries and raspberries spread easily and therefore need to be contained. To start growing raspberries or blackberries it is best to buy bare-rooted canes in late winter to early spring when they are usually available in garden centers.
When should I plant blackberries & raspberries?
Most often, nurseries will sell blackberries and raspberries as rooted canes. These are best planted in the fall when the weather is nice and cool – and the plant is dormant. Planting also works in some areas with moderate winters and also the early spring.
Can BlackBerry & raspberries grow anywhere?
More often than not, blackberries (and raspberries) can thrive wherever planted as long as the soil conditions are reasonable – and as long as you choose an appropriate berry cultivar for your hardiness zone. If you get those two things right – then your task of planting blackberry and raspberry shrubs is off to a great start!
Can companion planting help a raspberry plant?
There are a number of benefits to companion planting and why doing so can help your raspberry plant. All flowering plants need pollinators to help them produce fruit. Raspberries are no different. Certain plants will help attract pollinators and ensure your raspberries are successfully pollinated.