How often should blackberries be watered?
Written by
Tina Carter
Reviewed by
Prof. Samuel Fitzgerald, Ph.D.Proper watering determines the health and fruitfulness of your blackberries. Plants need moisture, but not in excess; saturation is harmful. Their needs vary from season to season, and from one stage of their growth to another, knowledge of which is necessary to avoid the root-rot (water-logged) plant, as well as the small, dry berry at fruiting time.
Growth Phase
- Provide 1-2 inches weekly during spring cane development
- Use rain gauge to measure natural precipitation accurately
- Water at soil level early morning to reduce evaporation
Fruiting Phase
- Increase to 4 inches weekly when berries form and swell
- Install drip irrigation for consistent soil moisture
- Avoid overhead watering to prevent fruit rot diseases
Dormancy Phase
- Reduce to 0.5 inches monthly after first frost
- Water only during extended dry spells in winter
- Protect roots with mulch layer while reducing irrigation
CONTAINER PLANTS Drench daily in hot weather if the temperature reaches 30°C and above. Water thoroughly so that it runs out of the drainage holes. Potting soils containing coconut coir and other moisture-retentive materials are useful. All containers dry out more quickly than soil in the ground, so they require close monitoring.
Learn to recognize the signs of water stress so you can adjust your watering schedule accordingly. Immediate need indicates wilting leaves. They may also become yellowish, reflecting over-watering. Soil taken 3 inches deep should feel quite dry. Using your finger is an option, as is using a moisture meter. A continuous schedule is best to avoid alternating dry-wet cycles that crack berries.
Implement water conservation methods in arid areas. Apply 3-inch straw mulch to the ground to prevent evaporation. Use soaker hoses for watering instead of sprinklers. Collect rainwater that can be captured in barrels every spring. These methods conserve moisture and significantly reduce the total amount of water used.
Soil Types , "Water sandy soils more frequently, but in longer intervals on clay and loam; upon such as require it, a little organic matter may be readily mixed that will greatly improve the water-retaining properties of the soil, and if well-mixed for previous sowing or planting, the ground requires less future watering and the plants flourish better."
Read the full article: How to Grow Blackberries Successfully at Home
