Does anyone know where I can get some organic Blackberry plants in or near Santa Monica? I am willing to buy them, or I can trade Pitaya(Dragon Fruit) magenta or white fleshed plant cuttings for them. I'd like to get the largest most mature plant I can buy( not a tiny thing from an internet nursery; although maybe some of them sell large plants?). Also, can I plant them now in a pot, -- I have a balcony, east facing( direct light til 10:45am, indirect light after) near Bundy and Santa Monica Blvd( on the border of Santa Monica and West LA). Thank you, ~Diana(310)936-3150

i would find a local grower ... or orchard that grows them...and ask them what cultivar they grow... LOCALLY ... my local orchard even sells plants in spring ... though i love wallyworld ... i would not rely on plants shipped.. in bulk from arkansas ... e.g.: googling : raspberry growers CA ... i found the link below ... getting good cultivars.. really matters for berry production ... pay the money.. to get a good start ... and do not expect much production the first season... and learn all about their biennial tenancies ... and how to prune them ... and do look for EVERBEARING types... they give fruit twice a season ... both of these berries.. are bramble... and can run from horrible ... huge ..... invasive-type plants... that barely berry .... to good acting [blanking on the word i want] .... plants.. that nearly crush themselves with berry production... its really worth it.. to get the right one... ken ps: never met a blackberry that out performed a raspberry .... pps: i have a yellow rasp.. fall gold.. to die for ... and heritage .. same ... i killed off dads historical plants.. years ago.... once i got these .. they grow well in MI ... no clue where you are ... Here is a link that might be useful: link

just a thought, but depending on your locality, especially in the eastern states, overpopulation of deer has led to states and municipalities adopting year long bow seasons. If this is private property you are having problems with there are probably hunters in your area who would be more than helpful. Also, some states allow the taking of deer from private land without a tag, something to keep in mind. I am not necessarily saying it is the best option but for most deer overpopulation it can be beneficial to both your tract of land, the plants and animals on it, and whatever crops you may be thinking of putting in. If it is public land, please disregard most of what I just said. You may want to encourage hunting in the area come deer season.

The trick is not letting the seeds dry out, this is crucial. Otherwise they won't sprout without agressive scarification. Just mash the berries (an immersion blender works wonders), collect the seeds and immediately place in a bag of moist soil in the fridge. Three months and they should go.