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Blackberry Root Cuttings and Digging Up Sucker Plants

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 Blackberry Root Cuttings and Digging Up Sucker Plants This year I had about 12 blackberry sucker plants come up in and outside of my blackberry row. In the video above, I dig up the sucker plant in order to transfer it to a pot and out of the walk way. Next, I trace the root back to the main plant and take root cuttings about 6-8 inches each. Propagating Blackberries from Root Cuttings: A Step-by-Step Guide Blackberries are a delicious and versatile fruit that can be enjoyed fresh, in pies, jams, jellies, and more. Growing your own blackberries allows you to harvest fresh berries at peak ripeness, and propagating them from root cuttings is an easy and cost-effective way to expand your garden. Here's a comprehensive guide to help you get started. Why Propagate Blackberries from Root Cuttings? Propagating blackberries from root cuttings has several advantages: Cost-effective : You can create new plants without purchasing additional ones. Genetic consistency : New plants will be iden...
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How to Remove Aphids Naturally

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 How to remove aphids naturally Each year in spring to early summer, I often start to find aphids in the garden.  If you don't catch them early, they can quickly turn into an infestation and more damage will be done. To get rid of Aphids, I use insecticidal soap that I make at home instead of buying a commercial product. Making it at home is much cheaper and cost efficient for a larger batch and it is easy to do. Here is what you need: 1 gallon spay bottle 55 ml of dish soap 55 ml of vegetable oil 20 ml of orange oil (if you want and/or are also having ants). Combine dish soap and vegetable oil in the spray bottle and then fill the water to the 1 gallon mark. Now you can head out and spray your garden. If you see curled leaves that is often a sign of stress from aphids so start and check there. Spay both the top and the underside of the leaves. Check out the Aphids video above to see the garden pests that I find in the garden and how I make the insecticidal soap to control th...
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Blackberry Cuttings Fail and What I Do Instead

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I have tried blackberry cuttings several times and have not had any success with them.  I can easily propagate with root cuttings, harvesting the suckers, tip and serpentine layering but cane cuttings has proven difficult.  Note, I have not tried using the rooting hormone for the cuttings so maybe that is why but research says you can do it without the rooting hormone.  I recently did an experiment on stem cuttings trying both primocanes and floricanes along with scratching and no scratching to promote rooting.  Neither worked.  It's difficult to keep the right moisture levels.  I've also tried using a lot of moisture and less moisture along with keeping the cuttings inside and outside in the shade.  Still no growth.  I don't want to use a rooting hormone so I'll stick with root cuttings, harvesting the suckers, tip and serpentine layering which I find the easiest.  Check out my experiment below in video format.   If you still want ...
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Protect Plants from Frost and Snow

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How to Protect Your Plants from Frost: A Comprehensive Guide Frost can be a gardener's worst enemy, causing significant damage to plants and potentially ruining an entire season's worth of hard work. However, with a few proactive measures, you can protect your plants from frost and ensure they thrive even in colder weather. Here’s a detailed guide to help you safeguard your garden. Understanding Frost Frost occurs when the temperature drops low enough for water vapor in the air to freeze on surfaces, typically at night. This can lead to ice crystals forming on plant tissues, which can damage or kill the plants. Frost can be particularly harmful to tender plants and those that are not frost-hardy [1] . Methods to Protect Plants from Frost Bring Potted Plants Indoors : If you have potted plants or hanging baskets, bring them indoors or into a garage or shed when frost is forecasted. This is one of the simplest and most effective ways to protect them [2] . Water Plants in the Afte...
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Should You Grow Blackberries

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Should You Grow Blackberries? Pros and Cons Blackberries are one of my favorite plants that I grow in the garden.  They are cold hardy, easy to propagate and great to eat and enjoy with family.  See my video above for more details and examples of why I recommend everyone grow blackberries at home!   But is growing blackberries the right choice for you? Let's explore the pros and cons to help you decide. Pros of Growing Blackberries 1. Delicious and Nutritious Blackberries are packed with vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. They are a healthy addition to your diet, whether eaten fresh, in desserts, or as jams and jellies. 2. High Yield Blackberry plants can produce a large quantity of fruit, especially if properly cared for. A few plants can provide enough berries for your family and even some to share. 3. Perennial Plants Once established, blackberry plants can produce fruit for many years. This makes them a long-term investment in your garden. 4. Easy to Grow Blac...
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Blackberry I Trellis Upgrade to Wire

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When I first started growing blackberries I created a very simple I trellis using garden string.  It worked very well for a single season but now that my blackberries are established it's time for an upgrade.  Check out my video below of upgrading my T-Post I trellis from string to 12 gauge wire.   How to Build an "I" Trellis: A Simple Guide for Your Garden An "I" trellis is a straightforward and effective structure that provides support for climbing plants like beans, peas, cucumbers, and flowering vines. Building your own "I" trellis is a cost-effective way to enhance your garden's productivity and aesthetics. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you create an "I" trellis. Materials Needed Two sturdy wooden posts (6-8 feet tall) Crossbeam (a wooden board or metal rod) Galvanized screws or nails Drill or hammer Measuring tape Level Posthole digger or shovel Concrete mix (optional) Twine or wire Step-by-Step Instructions Choose the Locat...
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Grow Grapes at Home

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Back in 2021, I decided to try growing grapes at home.  I did some research and found that Cowart muscadines grow well in my area.  I got a bare root muscadine plant and to the garden I went.  The video below is planting to harvest and I can say that it was an overall easy task to enjoy the fruit.   How to Grow Grapes at Home: A Comprehensive Guide Growing grapes at home can be a rewarding experience, providing you with fresh, delicious fruit and the satisfaction of cultivating your own vineyard. Whether you want to enjoy grapes fresh off the vine, make homemade wine, or create jams and jellies, this guide will help you get started. Choosing the Right Grape Variety The first step in growing grapes is selecting the right variety for your climate and soil. There are three main types of grapes: American Grapes (Vitis labrusca) : Hardy and disease-resistant, suitable for cooler climates. European Grapes (Vitis vinifera) : Commonly used for wine, thrive in warmer, dr...
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