How to Winter Over Blackberry Plants in Pots
Growing fruit trees in the backyard isn't an option for many due to the space and care requirements. Berry producing shrubs, such as blackberry plants, grow easier than trees. Erect blackberry varieties grow well in large containers, making them suitable even if you don't have a suitable planting area in your garden. Winterizing the container grown blackberries is necessary to protect them once the temperatures begin to drop in late autumn.
Prune away the canes in autumn that bore fruit over the summer; blackberries only produce fruit on the previous year's new growth. Cut them off from the base and crown of the plant with sharp shears.
Move the blackberry containers to a sheltered area, such as a garage or garden shed, after the first hard frost in autumn. Storing protects them from the damaging freezing of winter, as well as from winter winds.
- Growing fruit trees in the backyard isn't an option for many due to the space and care requirements.
- Erect blackberry varieties grow well in large containers, making them suitable even if you don't have a suitable planting area in your garden.
Mulch over the top of the soil in the pots before storing; the same is true if you must leave them outside over winter. Apply a 4-inch layer of straw mulch over the soil and around the canes to prevent frost heave from winter thaws.
Ensure that all existing canes are attached to any trellis system in place in the containers. Tie up first season canes to the trellis so they don't interfere with new growth in spring.
Cover outdoor-stored blackberries with a plant bag. Choose bag covers with ventilation holes or perforated bags. These prevent frost damage while allowing the plant to breathe. Tie the bag loosely to the base of the plant.
- Mulch over the top of the soil in the pots before storing; the same is true if you must leave them outside over winter.
- Apply a 4-inch layer of straw mulch over the soil and around the canes to prevent frost heave from winter thaws.
Remove the bags or bring the plants back outside in early spring once new growth begins or the buds begin swelling. Remove the winter mulch from the container once the soil begins to warm in mid-spring.
Tip
Keep the containers on top of wheeled carts to make moving them easier. There is no need to fertilize blackberries in winter. Water only when the soil is thawed and is becoming dry to the touch.
Warning
Some everbearing varieties only produce fruit on each season's new canes. Always check the maintenance on the plant label before pruning to verify the correct method for your variety.
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References
Tips
- Keep the containers on top of wheeled carts to make moving them easier.
- There is no need to fertilize blackberries in winter. Water only when the soil is thawed and is becoming dry to the touch.
Warnings
- Some everbearing varieties only produce fruit on each season's new canes. Always check the maintenance on the plant label before pruning to verify the correct method for your variety.
Writer Bio
Jenny Harrington has been a freelance writer since 2006. Her published articles have appeared in various print and online publications. Previously, she owned her own business, selling handmade items online, wholesale and at crafts fairs. Harrington's specialties include small business information, crafting, decorating and gardening.
