If you love fruit, but hate the fuss then you may want to try growing erect thornless blackberries. These blackberries are some of the lowest maintenance backyard fruits available. Because they are thornless they are easy to work with, because they are erect you don't have to mess with trellising, and because they are blackberries you know they are tough as nails. These varieties will produce most of their fruit in June and July, and because they are self-fruitful you won't have to worry about polinization. However, these plants are not maintenance free they do require proper planting, regular fertilization and timely pruning in order to maintain good productivity.
Blackberries can grow in a wide variety of soils, but they do best on sandy loam or clay loam soils.
They can't stand soggy soil, so try to avoid low areas where water stands after heavy rains. Try to find a site near a source of water in case irrigation is necessary, and be sure to select a site with plenty of sunlight. Erect blackberries should be planted in late February or early March, but before you get out your shovel be sure to have your soil tested through the Extension Service. This test will give you all of the lime and fertilizer recommendations you need. Fifteen plants, if properly cared for, will supply all the berries an average family will need.