John M

Blackberries don’t strictly need to be washed before freezing, but washing them first is a good idea if you want clean, ready-to-use berries.   The truth is, whether or not you wash blackberries before freezing depends on how you plan to use them later.   If you’re going to bake them into muffins or cook … Read more

Blackberries do need to be washed before you eat them.   That’s the short answer, and it’s an important one because blackberries can carry dirt, pesticides, and small bugs in their tiny crevices.   But there’s a right way to wash blackberries so they don’t turn mushy or lose their flavor.   In this post, … Read more

Blackberries do need to be pollinated to produce fruit, and without pollination, those juicy berries you’re looking forward to simply won’t form.   That’s right—every single blackberry you’ve ever popped into your mouth is the direct result of successful pollination.   If you’ve been asking yourself, “Do blackberries need to be pollinated?” the short answer … Read more

Blackberries don’t need to be organic, but choosing organic blackberries can be a smart move depending on your priorities.   If you’ve been wondering whether blackberries need to be organic, the short answer is no, they don’t have to be.   Conventionally grown blackberries are perfectly safe to eat and still pack plenty of nutrients. … Read more

Blackberries need support, and giving them a proper trellis or fence will make a huge difference in how well they grow and how many berries you actually get to harvest.   These thorny canes don’t naturally stand up on their own once they’re loaded with fruit, so without something to lean on, they’ll flop over, … Read more

Blackberries don’t need full shade to thrive, but they do benefit from some shade in certain conditions.   In fact, blackberries grow best in full sun for maximum fruit production, but partial shade can help them survive intense heat and protect them from scorching.   If you’ve been wondering whether blackberries need shade, the short … Read more