How many berry plants?

[skeeter9]

A couple of weeks ago, hubby and I planted 3 baby blackberry plants (Black Satin). Yesterday, we planted one more of another type (Ouachita) and one red raspberry (can't remember the name at the moment). So, now we have a total of 5 berry bushes. We are wanting to have enough berries for fresh eating and freezing for 6 people. Anybody have any thoughts on whether this is enough bushes for our needs?

 

[thistlebloom]

I have about 20 raspberry bushes, give or take, and I get enough for 3 people, mostly fresh eating, and a little to give to friends when I'm feeling extra nice. I'm guessing you'll want to expand.

 

[Chickie'sMomaInNH]

sounds like you could use a few more plants. if you're looking for a decent deal on red and yellow raspberries check out http://www.doubleavineyards.com/ in NY. if you are getting 11 or more of their reds or yellows they charge $2 per plant. their black raspberries and blackberry plants go for $3.25 each if you get 11 or more plants. i ordered 33 yellow and red raspberries and they charged a flat cost of $15 but it was a small order and i think if you were to get much more than that they would charge more.

 

[catjac1975]

Definitely not enough right away. The raspberries will spread slowly at first and then like crazy. The blackberries are slow to spread but are easy to make cuttings. Stick with the thornless as the thorned are very sharp.

My blackberries are at about 6 bushy plants. I got a lot of berries last summer. Made syrup as they all come at once. The raspberries have spread to a 10X4 foot path and also gave a lot for syrup.
I recommend you buy plants that have different bearing times so that you extend your season.

 

[skeeter9]

Ok. So it sounds like adding more bushes needs to be in our plans. At this point, it will have to wait until next year, but at least we know to save more space.


I will definitely be checking out that website, Chickiesmoma!!!


Thanks so much for the input.

 

[Chickie'sMomaInNH]

here's something of interest for those that might try to expand their raspberry and blackberry areas a little quicker! http://www.coopext.colostate.edu/TRA/PLANTS/hardwood_cuttings.shtml
so far this seems to be one of the better sites i've seen showing how to do this. i'm sure there are others out there that are better, but i liked this one.

 

[skeeter9]

Oh wow, Chickie'smom, that is so clear and simple even I can probably do it! Maybe I should try a redbud this spring. . . .

 

[r4eboxer]

here's something of interest for those that might try to expand their raspberry and blackberry areas a little quicker! http://www.coopext.colostate.edu/TRA/PLANTS/hardwood_cuttings.shtml
so far this seems to be one of the better sites i've seen showing how to do this. i'm sure there are others out there that are better, but i liked this one.

Score! Will be doing this with my berries this year. So glad you posted this, I was about to go out and purchase bushes and they aren't cheap. Thanks a bunch! :rose

 

[Chickie'sMomaInNH]

glad i could be of help! good luck if you try it this year. i might just see how well it works with some black raspberries over at our other house we're moving to in a few months. i have some blackberry canes i want to move too and this might be the better option to cut them than to try and dig them up.

 

[The Mama Chicken]

Hmm, I wonder if this would work on the dewberries down by the creek? I'd be thrilled to have free plants for the garden.