414 - Growing Blackberries: A Starter Guide with Chad Cargill

In this episode, I sit down with Chad Cargill to dive deep into one of his favorite fruits to grow—blackberries! Whether you're a beginner or have been growing blackberries for years, this conversation is packed with insights. Chad shares his passion for blackberries, the best varieties to grow, tips for pruning and trellising, and how to get the sweetest harvest possible. We also discuss the importance of timing your picks, dealing with pests, and what to expect as your blackberry plants mature. In This Episode, You'll Learn: Why blackberries are a great fruit for home gardeners The difference between primocane and floricane fruiting varieties Best trellising and pruning techniques for bigger harvests How to pick blackberries at peak ripeness for the best flavor What to expect from your blackberry plants over time Resources & Links: Visit Chad's farm at Smith Ferry Farm Recommended blackberry variety: Ponca (developed by the University of Arkansas) Learn more about blackberry care from the University of Arkansas Blackberry Breeding Program Thank You to Our Sponsors: 🌹 Heirloom Roses – Get 20% off any rose order with code BEGINNER20 at heirloomroses.com (Valid through Sept. 30, 2025) 💦 Garden in Minutes – Stress-free, pre-assembled irrigation systems for raised beds. Get 7% off at journeywithjill.net/gardeninminutes with code JILL 🌱 Organic Rev – Boost plant health with this organic root growth activator. Get 10% off at organicrev.com with code JILL10 👉 Subscribe to the podcast and join me next week as we talk all about your April garden checklist!   My Products: 2025 Complete Garden Planner (plus several new editions!) https://shop.journeywithjill.net/  Vegetable Gardening for Beginners Book: https://amzn.to/3TZeJux Products I recommend: Recommended Brands & Products page:  https://journeywithjill.net/recommended-brands-and-products/  https://www.amazon.com/shop/thebeginnersgarden Connect with Jill:    Sign up for Friday Emails: https://journeywithjill.net/gardensignup YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/c/JourneywithjillNet/videos   The Beginner's Garden Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thebeginnersgarden/ Link to Beginner's Garden Podcast past episodes: https://journeywithjill.net/the-beginners-garden-podcast/  (*links above contain affiliate links, which means if you click through and make a purchase, we will earn a commission at no extra cost to you.)