If you’re training your blackberry canes up a trellis, you’ve probably noticed a lot of “naked” soil sitting right at the base of your plants. My advice? Don’t leave that ground bare for long! If you don’t choose something to grow there, Mother Nature will happily pick out some weeds for you—and trust me, you won’t like her choices.
Can you actually underplant blackberries?
If you let your blackberries grow wild, the canes will arch over and shade the ground so much that nothing else can survive. But, if you’re keeping them tidy on a trellis, underplanting is a fantastic idea. Just keep in mind that blackberries are shallow-rooted, so you’ll want to pick companions that won’t get into a “root war” over water and nutrients.
Is underplanting really necessary?
Technically, no, you don’t *have* to do it. But it’s a smart move to get some ground cover in there right after planting. Because blackberries have shallow roots, they dry out easily. A living carpet of plants protects the soil from the sun and keeps moisture where it belongs. Plus, thick ground cover acts as a natural barrier against weeds. And let’s be honest—it’s a great excuse to squeeze in more flowers or even more berries!
Why not just pull the weeds?
You might think, “I’ll just hoe the weeds away,” but blackberries aren’t fans of that. Since their roots sit so close to the surface, they hate having the soil around them constantly disturbed. Trying to dig out deep-rooted weeds like dandelions can actually end up damaging your blackberry bush’s root system.
What are the best companion plants for blackberries?
You’ll want to choose plants that love the same sun and soil conditions as your blackberries. They also need to stay low to the ground so they don’t interfere with the blackberry growth. Here are a few that work really well:
- Sweet Violets
- Primroses
- Yarrow
- Snowdrops
- Thyme
- Forget-me-nots
- Wild Strawberries
- Lemon Balm
Every garden has its own “personality,” so what thrives in my yard might be a little finicky in yours. Don’t be afraid to experiment! If something doesn’t take, just try a different variety next year or toss down some annual flower seeds.
What about planting grass around blackberries?
Some blackberry varieties are “runners”—they love to spread out and pop up everywhere if you didn’t install a root barrier. While a thick lawn won’t stop those underground runners from traveling, it makes them much easier to manage. When you mow the grass, you’ll mow down the new blackberry shoots at the same time, keeping them from taking over your yard. It’s a great ground cover strategy for keeping things tidy.
Can I plant raspberries under my blackberries?
You definitely can plant blackberries and raspberries together. Just make sure you give them enough elbow room. Since both are shallow-rooted, they’ll end up fighting over water and nutrients if they’re cramped too close together.
Quick Tip: Mulch is your backup plan
If you’re not ready to commit to more plants, a 2-inch layer of mulch is your best friend. It’ll stop weeds and keep the roots cool. You can use bark compost, shredded leaves, or even grass clippings. Just a heads-up: if you use bark mulch, toss in some horn meal or a nitrogen-rich fertilizer to make up for the nitrogen the bark uses up as it breaks down.