Check the items off as they get done. This list is very general, but should help get you to think about what types of activities occur at various times of the year. If you would like other items to be added to this list, send them to me and I will add them next time.
WINTER
Plant growth and development
√ Plant is not visibly growing during the winter months although many blackberries will retain their leaves through the winter
√ Some differentiation is occurring in the flower buds
√ Low chilling cultivars can break bud in January after adequate winter chilling. You can monitor chilling hours accumulated in eight states in the eastern US by accessing this site: http://www.nc-climate.ncsu.edu/cronos/blackberry/index.php
√ Developmental stages for IPM guide:
1. Dormant
2. Delayed dormant (swollen bud) to green tip
Pruning and trellising
√ Pruning should occur in late winter. The unseasonably warm temperatures we are experiencing in mid December 2015, are not a good reason to get the pruning done early. Pruning can stimulate growth. We have several more months to go before we want to see any type of growth!
√ Make trellis repairs after plants have defoliated but before pruning and training.
Erect types
√ Prune out the spent floricanes
√ Tie canes to wires in a fan shape
√ Cut lateral branches back to 8-12”
√ Thin canes to 6-8 canes/ hill (4 ft spacing)
Trailing types
√ Prune out spent floricanes
√ Tie or weave canes to wire so that they do not overlap
√ Prune side laterals to 12-18”
√ Thin canes to 6-8 hill (6-8ft spacing)
Primocane fruiting raspberries and blackberries
√ Prune (mow) primocane fruiting types to ground level
Weed control
Check the Southern Regional Bramble integrated Management Guide for recommendations. www.smallfruits.org
√ Many summer weed problems can be best managed in the fall and winter using preemergent herbicides. Determine what weeds have been or could be a problem in your area. Check with local extension agent for cultural or chemical means to control these weeds.
Insect and disease scouting
Check the Southern Regional Bramble integrated Management Guide for recommendations. www.smallfruits.org
√ Scout fields for insect and disease damage and remove those canes
√ Remove wild blackberries and raspberries by the roots if they are within 600 ft of your planting during the winter
Planting
√ Take soil tests to determine fertility needs for spring plantings.
√ There are some new raspberry and blackberry cultivars available each year. If you have not tried them or it is not know how they will do in your region, it is best to order a small quantity to see how well they will perform in your area
√ For larger growers, prepare list of cultivars for 2017 plantings and order now.
√ A commercial small fruit nursery list at http://www.fruit.cornell.edu/berry/nurseries/
Water management
√ Make repairs to irrigation system (check pumps, lines, etc)
√ Plants generally do not need supplemental water in winter
Marketing and miscellaneous
√ Order containers for next season
√ Make contacts for selling fruit next season
√ Attend grower meetings:
o The 2016 North American Raspberry & Blackberry Conference will be held in Williamsburg, VA. http://www.raspberryblackberry.com/for-growers/2016-annual-conference/
o Southeast Regional Conference and Tradeshow, with sessions on blackberry
o January 7-10, 2016, at the Savannah International Trade and Convention Center http://www.seregionalconference.com
o The 2016 NCCBRGA meeting will be Friday February 19 in Shelby. For more information contact Daniel_Shires@ncsu.edu
For more information on growing caneberries see:
http://www.smallfruits.org/
http://rubus.ces.ncsu.edu/
