[The Golden Heap]

So I have bought the Jam kit, when is best to head out and pick some blackberry's they are coming to a good size and colour locally but is there a prime time

[sunshineband]

Yes - tomorrow morning 

[The Golden Heap]

Why tomorrow morning?

[arugula]

Because by the way you describe them they are obviously ripe and you want to pick them before they go over.

[The Golden Heap]

oh righyt, I thought some sort of lunar activity or others factors!! silly old me

[Beetroot queen]

Well I say as soon as possible before someone beats you too it.

[snowdrops]

Its too dark now

[Beetroot queen]

Torch, mobile phone, candle, moon light hehe no excuses

[Mrs Bee]

The best time is when you see them. 

Best not to have them too ripe for jam.

An old saying is ' never pick blackberries after the end of September for the Devil widdles on them.'

Also don't pick them too near to the ground 'cos of dogs and local foxes widdling on them

[Kleftiwallah]

Don't forget the old adage.

In British folklore, Old Michaelmas Day, 10th October, is the last day that blackberries should be picked. It is said that on this day, when Lucifer was expelled from Heaven, he fell from the skies, straight onto a blackberry bush. He then cursed the fruit, scorched them with his fiery breath, spat and stamped on them and made them unfit for consumption! And so the Irish proverb goes:

“On Michaelmas Day the devil puts his foot on blackberries”.

My old Mam used to say he did something more basic all over the blackberry bush as well!

Cheers,    Tony.