How to Grow Chester Blackberries

Plant Chester blackberries in spring, after the last frost lifts. Chester blackberries are hardy to U.S. Department of Agriculture growing zone 5 winters, but need a summer of growth and establishment to survive.

Find sites that give the blackberries full sun and quick drainage. Give each cane 3 to 4 feet of space for growing, and plant in rows for efficient gardening and training. Leave 7 feet between multiple rows.

Mix 3 inches of organic compost into the top 8 inches of soil in each planting site to build rich, moist and supportive soil for the blackberry canes. Blackberries fail in poor, tight or slow-draining soil.

Dig a hole for each Chester blackberry cane before you unwrap the canes, to make the process quick. Holes should be wide and deep enough for the root balls, to avoid bending or breaking any roots. Place the root systems in their holes and pack 2 to 3 inches of soil over them to secure the plants.

Water each cane with 5 inches of water to wet the entire root system, and spread 2 to 3 inches of mulch around the plantings. Mulch helps maintain soil warmth and moisture, and reduces weed growth. Put the canes on a schedule of 2 to 3 inches of water every week during the dry season.

Prune the canes to within 3 to 4 inches of the ground to promote new growth and branching. Put a trellis system in place behind the canes, for use when the canes and vines get tall enough.