Blackberries sprout lushly from spring to autumn. No property owner can do without cutting if they want to limit their spread. Once the scissor work is done, the clippings must be disposed of. Going to the compost heap makes sense. But does it also make sense?
Can I compost blackberries?
You shouldn't compost blackberry plantsIt's better not to compost themThis applies to clippings as well as to dug up roots and runners. They can all quickly take root in nutrient-rich compost heaps and overgrow them. Put blackberries in theorganic waste bin, thehousehold wasteorburn as soon as possible.
Can I compost blackberry vines if I chop them?
In principle, it is a good idea to chop up each blackberry vine after cutting it before putting it in the compost. This reduces the risk of rooting. But it is reported that the long, sharp spines survive chopping and composting almost unscathed. It is therefore possible that yourfinished compost soil will become “thorny”. The implementation is more advisable for blackberries without thorns.
Can I somehow put the many blackberry leaves to good use?
Blackberry leaves are actually edible and he althy. You can add young, tender shoot tips toSaladsor process them together with other ingredients to make aSmoothie. If you want to use a lot of leaf cuttings, dry the leaves forTea When fermented, they taste particularly intense and are a good substitute for black tea.
How can I minimize the annual disposal costs?
There are some measures when planting and caring for a blackberry bush that help slow down uncontrolled growth. This also means there is less clippings.
- 30 cm deep root barrier
- Take out the side shoots in the summer
- Shorten main shoots (prevents ground contact)
- Cultivation of upright varieties
- Guiding the tendrils on the trellis
- if applicable. Plant under lawn and mow regularly
My blackberries are already forming a thicket, what can I do?
The thicket will continue to spread if you don't act quickly and decisively. Put on protective clothing and thick gloves and get a brush cutter. Use this to cut off all the tendrils to around 10-20 cm. You will then have better access to the root area. Dig up therootstocks with a spade. Do not leave the blackberries on the ground for long, otherwise they will take root again.
Tip
Feed fresh blackberry vines to rabbits
Rabbits like blackberry green. If you own these pets, feed the cut vines. Rabbit owners you know may take the clippings from you.
