Even with blackberries, the right fertilization contributes significantly to the outcome of the harvest. We have tips on how to fertilize your blackberries properly.
The blackberry (Rubus fruticosus) grows in its natural environment on heavy, nutrient-rich soil. It is popular in home gardens for its sweet fruits, which can be harvested from June to September. But only a well cared for bramble bush will reward you with a rich harvest. For this, the blackberry must absorb enough nutrients and water from the soil via its roots.
Regular application of fertilizer is important for all berry bushes so that the plants grow vigorously and produce many fruits. In this article, we will explain when, how and with what the best way to fertilize your blackberries.
When is the best time to fertilize blackberries?
When planting a blackberry bush, you should work some potting soil, compost or rotted manure into the excavation hole. In addition, organic fertilizer granules can be worked into the top soil layers. In this way, the young roots are supplied with sufficient nutrients right from the start and they can develop well. In the following years, the blackberry should - weather permitting - be fertilized in early spring (March) with a nutrient mixture suitable for berry bushes. It is best to use organic long-term fertilizers for this, such as our Plantura organic universal fertilizer. This is particularly gentle on the environment, as they only gradually release the nutrients they contain to the plant. This reduces the risk of leaching.
Summary: When to Fertilize Blackberries?
- Improve lean soil with potting soil, compost or manure
- Incorporate some fertilizer granules into the soil when planting
- Annual basic fertilization in early spring (March)
What fertilizer to use for blackberries?
Blackberries have a very highNutrient requirements, which is also related to the high annual growth rate of the plant. If you choose a fertilizer that is tailored to the needs of the blackberry, it will thank you with a rich harvest.
Organic fertilizers are ideal for feeding your blackberries. To improve poor garden soil, you can use garden compost or decomposed manure. You can also cover the ground around the blackberry plant with a layer of grass cuttings mulch. This decomposes over time and releases the nutrients to the plant. If you don't have any natural fertilizers at hand, you can also use organic long-term fertilizers. There are many benefits to using organic fertilizers. The nutrients contained are only gradually released. As a result, there is only a small risk of over-fertilization and the leaching of nutrients into the groundwater. Organic materials also promote soil life and improve the soil structure. In addition, organic fertilizers are particularly gentle on people, pets and garden animals, since no chemicals are used.
Our Plantura organic universal fertilizer consists mainly of organic, plant-based raw materials. Due to its composition, it is ideal for supplying your blackberries with nutrients. A high proportion of nitrogen promotes plant growth and leaf formation in spring. Sufficient phosphorus and potassium also optimally support the blackberry plant in the development of flowers and fruit.
Summary: What fertilizers to use for blackberries?
- Garden compost, rotted manure
- Low grass clippings mulch
- Organic long-term fertilizers in organic quality
Fertilize blackberries correctly: instructions for ideal application
How the fertilizer for the blackberries is applied depends on the selected fertilizer and the weather conditions. Many organic long-term fertilizers such as our Plantura organic universal fertilizer are available in granulate form, which makes application and dosage much easier. To ensure that you provide your blackberries with the right amount of nutrients, we have prepared precise fertilizer instructions for you below.
Organic long-term fertilization: instructions andBlackberry Dosing Quantities
- Before planting: Work 80 - 160 g/m² (6 to 13 heaped tablespoons) of our Plantura organic universal fertilizer into the top soil layers.
- Water the freshly planted bush well so that the granulate can loosen.
- Fertilize 60 - 120 g per plant (5 to 10 tablespoons) every spring (March).
- Smaller doses of fertilizer for flowering and fruit formation provide optimal support for your blackberry.
Tip from the pro: Granular fertilizers can also be dissolved in water to water the berry bush.
Provide blackberries with mineral fertilizers
Blue grain, liquid fertilizer and Co. are still popular fertilizers, which are also often used for berries. However, the high nutrient content of mineral fertilizers and the rapid release can quickly lead to over-fertilization of the plants if used improperly. Excess nutrients can be washed out into deeper soil layers and lead to increased nitrate levels in the groundwater. In comparison, organic fertilizers are slowly broken down by the microorganisms in the soil and only gradually release the nutrients for the plant.
The right cut is also important with blackberries. You can find out how to do this correctly in our instructions for cutting blackberries.