LAYER FRUIT

STEP 1: Blackberries and hybrid berries that produce long new growth at this time of the year can easily be propagated by tip-layering. This is exactly how wild blackberries spread naturally to form a thicket of growth. Start by preparing an area of ground around the base of the plant by digging it over and mixing in some compost.

STEP BY STEP

STEP 2: Bend one of the new shoots down to soil level and where it reaches to, scoop out a shallow depression just a couple of inches deep. Place the tip of the blackberry, loganberry, tayberry or any other hybrid berry into the hole. You can if you wish at this stage peg the tip down with some bent wire to hold it into place, especially if the main stem is strong and springy!

STEP 3: Pull the soil back over the tip so that it is buried in the hole and then water to moisten and settle the soil around the shoot. It’s then a case of waiting and being patient. Over autumn and winter, roots will develop from the buried tip and next spring a strong new shoot will grow. By autumn it will be established and can be lifted and replanted in its permanent position.

WATER CARROTS IN DRY WEATHER