There’s nothing quite like the taste of homegrown blackberries—they’re delicious, packed with vitamins, and way better than anything you’ll find at the grocery store. If you want to get the most out of your blackberry plants, growing them on a trellis is the way to go. By training them upward, you can get a massive harvest even if you only have space for one or two plants.
The Best Varieties for Trellising
If you’ve ever seen wild blackberries, you know they can be total garden takeover artists, spreading everywhere in the blink of an eye. Cultivated varieties are much better behaved, but they still have different growth habits. Some stay compact and only need a simple stake for support, while others produce long canes that can reach up to 13 feet! For those vigorous growers, a trellis is essential to keep the canes organized and headed in the right direction.
Location is Everything
To get those juicy, sweet berries we all crave, you need to pick the right spot. First and foremost: blackberries love the sun. A spot in full sun is ideal, though they can handle partial shade if necessary. The more light they get, the more flavorful the fruit will be.
You’ll also want to find a spot that’s protected from harsh winds. However, “protected” doesn’t mean “stuffy.” Good airflow is key to keeping your plants healthy and resistant to diseases and pests. This is where the trellis really shines—by spreading the canes out, you ensure every part of the plant gets enough air and light.
Pro tip: If you can, plant your blackberries about three feet away from a south-facing wall. The wall soaks up the sun’s heat during the day and radiates it back to the plants at night. This can actually speed up the ripening process, meaning you get to start snacking on your harvest even earlier in the season!
How to Build Your Own Simple Trellis
Store-bought trellises can get pretty pricey, and since you’ll want a sturdy setup year after year, it’s often easier (and cheaper) to just DIY it. Here’s what you’ll need to build a basic wire trellis:
- Sturdy wooden posts
- Tension wire (galvanized works best)
- Garden twine or clips for tying
- Wire cutters
- A sledgehammer or mallet
The most important step? Make sure those wooden posts are driven deep enough into the ground. Once those blackberry canes start getting heavy with fruit, you’ll want a foundation that isn’t going anywhere!
