[Dazzer]

Just taken over a 10 rod plot and have started to plan what where and when to plant. 
Blackberries are high on the list and was wondering how much of a run I will need.

The varaties I am considering are Adrienne or Oregon Thornless and I plan to train along wires both sides of the plant (on alternate years).  Am I right in thinking that if the plant has a 12 foot run I will need 24 feet in total (12 on each side)?

[sunshineband]

Pretty much

Mine seem to be over 2m long but I try to keep the fruiting ones to one side of the plant on the post and wires, and the new canes to the other, to make pruning easier.

They are huge beasts, but well worth the space 

[Trillium]

You've got that right, Sunny. My dratted canes are all over the place and would happily take 16 ft of space if I let them. The worst part is that I don't even like blackberries but it turns out my kids love them. Mine took about 3 years to get going, then they exploded, so be prepared.

[Dazzer]

Thanks.

Do you bother netting the Blackberry?  There is a wild blackberry at the bottom of the garden and the birds don't seem to bother with the fruit very much.

[boldondig]

I net all the fruit except the blackberries - the birds don't bother with mine - just watch out for the wasps when picking them -

[Trillium]

For whatever reason, blalckberries are the only fruit I don' t have to net. Either the birds don't like them or simply can't see them.

[sunshineband]

Our blackbirds queue up to eat them, so we net these too 

[fatcat1955]

The results of the bird's eating my blackberries usually end's up on the roof of my car!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[sunshineband]

The results of the bird's eating my blackberries usually end's up on the roof of my car!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

You see m'lud, the evidence of their gluttony was clear for all to see 

[Trillium]

 

[Dazzer]

Thanks again for your replies - guessing I'll have to wait and see about the netting