John M

Yes, you can soak blackberries in salt water, and many people do it to clean the fruit and coax out any tiny bugs hiding inside.   It sounds a little strange if you’ve never heard of it before.   But soaking blackberries in salt water is actually a pretty common kitchen trick.   The idea … Read more

You should wash blackberries before making jam.   Yes, it adds a quick extra step, but it’s worth it for safety and taste.   If you’ve been wondering whether to wash blackberries before making jam, the answer is a simple yes.   Blackberries grow close to the ground and are often handled by multiple people … Read more

Yes, you should refrigerate blackberries to keep them fresh and safe to eat for as long as possible.   Blackberries are delicate berries, and if you leave them out at room temperature, they can spoil within a day or two.   Refrigerating blackberries slows down the ripening process and helps prevent mold from taking over. … Read more

Wild blackberries can have worms, and it’s actually more common than most people realize.   If you’ve ever been out foraging and popped a plump wild blackberry into your mouth without a second thought, you’re not alone.   But the question of whether wild blackberries have worms is one that comes up a lot, especially … Read more

You need a trellis for blackberries if you’re growing trailing or semi-erect varieties, but not always for erect ones.   The truth is, whether you need a trellis for blackberries depends heavily on the type you plant.   Trailing blackberries like ‘Marion’ or ‘Boysen’ absolutely need a trellis because their canes sprawl along the ground. … Read more

Yes, you can cut back blackberry bushes in the fall, and for many home gardeners, it’s actually one of the best times to do it.   Fall pruning helps tidy up the patch before winter, removes spent canes, and sets your plants up for a stronger harvest next season.   But there’s a catch: not … Read more