Brambles? What are they?

This is how Google defines brambles:

Brambles are a genus of flowering plants in the rose family that includes over 1,350 species. They are characterized by their thick, arching stems, sharp thorns, and edible fruit.

That definition is not entirely correct. I've grown thornless blackberries for years. Raspberries are also brambles. I have also seen some people classify grapes and blueberries as brambles.   I'm not sure that that is correct, so I will be writing about them separately. Although mine generally do well in heat, trust me they were affected by it. This is a great time of year to plant them as they're about to focus on root development. I like to put a little compost in with them when I plant them. Try to keep grass away from them. Blackberries are good about letting you know when they are needing water and when they don't. The leaves are nice and open when they don't need water. They curl up when they do, usually, but sometimes they do this when they are overwatered. I use a manual water gauge if I'm in doubt. Just stick it in the soil at the base of the plant and it will give you a reading. As far as pests are concerned, mine have withstood grasshoppers and aphids. I don't know of many things that attack brambles here. Mine have not had any major diseases here.

The nice thing about brambles is what you know about brambles easily translates over to most other brambles. And if you don't get your brambles out now, don't worry. You've got until spring but getting them out now gives your roots an edge.

Happy gardening!