Blackberry Problem

[Chilli P]

I have just taken on an allotment that hasn't been used in 3 years and is very over grown, their is a large area of blackberries that i would like to get rid of as they are taking up far to much room, does anyone know the best way of doing this.

[bantiekeeper]

Hi there, We have this problem at times on our allotment site. The only way to be rid of them completely is to dig them up. You may find a pickaxe or mattock is best tool to use.Hard work, but then allotments are hard work to start with so don't get disheartened. If you just cut the surface growth off they will be back with a vengeance in no time.

[Chilli P]

The blackberry's are 7ft tall and in a patch 20ft x 30ft and i dont think i could dig them up. I was thinking more on the lines of cutting back let grow 6 inches and weed kill with gallop spray and keep on spraying with new growth.

I'v used this weed killer with mega results before with most things but i must say iv used twice on Japaneses anemone flower and not had a good result, if blackberry's are the same we are going to have a mega hassle with getting rid of it.

I would like to say to all the people out there that love blackberries like me eating and picking on hedgerows fine. If you ever wont to grow them on a allotment they come with a warning they grow 3ft 4ft within Min's#

Regards chilli p

[Pot man UK]

I'm sure you realise this but the weedkiller will stay in the ground for months so maybe now is the best time if you are going to use it. Some break down into a fertilizer as well!

[airconednightmare]

if you're set on using chemicals, have you thought about systemic herbicides which you paint onto/inject into the plant. kills the roots, leaves and stem and doesn't affect anything else (in theory).