Growing Blackberries - Education and Training
Learn how to grow blackberries and profit from blackberry sales
Blackberry growers can profit from blackberries by opening what are commonly called "you-pick-farms." Growers can also sell blackberries from produce stands or sell to small markets during blackberry season. In order to have a successful blackberry crop, it's important to gain a little blackberries education and training.Blackberry season runs from May to September depending on which area of the country you live in. Greenhouses can extend the growing season for northern states, meaning you can sell fresh crops longer. If selling fresh blackberries isn't ideal for your business, try selling products using recipes with blackberries such as jams, syrups and baked goods. Before planting blackberries, understand the following:
1. Blackberries flourish best in full sun with well-drained soil.
2. Blackberry roots don't flourish in overly wet soil, so working with a sandy loam soil is best.
3. Blackberry seed is one option for growing blackberries, but nurseries sell blackberry seedlings, which take less time to mature and grow fruit.
Research the best way to grow blackberries in your area
A blackberry grower in the north must plant differently than a blackberry grower in the south. For this reason, understanding how to plant blackberries in your region is important for a successful crop. College extension offices have packets of information that cover agricultural topics for the state, and they are usually free resources.
Try: The North Carolina Cooperative Extension Service has information on growing blackberries on their website. The University of Maine Cooperative Extension offers tips on growing blackberries in Maine, which is suitable for most northern climates.
Look at other websites for blackberry growers and create your own
If you're using blackberries for a you-pick-farm or a produce stand, take a look at current websites for these types of businesses. Having a business website for your blackberry farming will increase business and give you a web presence. If your blackberry farm becomes popular, you can use the website to fulfill local blackberry orders, too.
Try: Eckert's Orchards has a website that advertises their pick-your-own schedules and events. A website put out by Benevia offers a directory of pick-your-own farms. This is a great resource for checking out other websites or listing your own business.
Find out what types of blackberries are available for growing
There are two main types of blackberries--those that stand upright and those that grow in a trailing manner. Whichever type you choose to cultivate, remember that the most important factor is the taste and texture of the berry when customers are buying blackberries. Customers want to buy blackberries that are sweet and hold up well when used for baking or cooking.
Try: The LSU AgCenter offers a chart about thorny, erect blackberry types. The West Virginia University Extension Service offers information about thornless blackberries, an option for growers that don't want to deal with thorny bushes during harvest.
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