Blackberry Bonanza

Now that we are the proud owners of 4 blackberry bushes, we had to get them into the ground.  Fall is the perfect time to plant them since it gives their root systems time to grow and stretch for spring growth.  I wasn’t sure, at first, where to plant them.  After letting them sit for a day, I figured out a great place for them.  We have a small bed at the end of our side driveway that has some nice, small bushes.  Unfortunately, the bushes are under constant attack from bicycles and Tonkas.  I decided to take the bushes out so the blackberries can grow there.

Removing the bushes for transplanting.  Two of our new blackberries are Kiowa, which need bracing.  The fence along the back of this bed will be perfect for blackberry brambles. The small oak tree on the right will be taken down in the spring.  It’s too close to the house to grow adequately.

Boy Wonder #2 helping me take out one of the bushes.  He was a great help removing the bushes with his Tonka.

All the bushes are out and off to the side of yard for transplanting later.  After adding some composted manure and soil, the blackberry bushes were planted in these holes.  They were perfectly spaced and sized.  Easy peasy planting!

While taking out the last bush, I came across 2 termite stations.  Evidently one was so covered it couldn’t be found so our termite guy put in another one.  I left them both but made a note to tell our termite guy about it when he comes next.

All planted and ready for growth.  The 4 bushes were given a good drink of Manure Tea right after planting and a heavy watering later in the day.  The next day it rained all day.  That should help with getting them started.  In a few weeks, we’ll undo the Kiowa’s and make a trellis to lead them over to the fence.

The Wonder Kids are so excited about their new blackberry bushes.  They keep checking them to see if they’re growing yet.  The Kids are learning patience and science, all at the same time.