I haven't grown them myself, but every summer I go to a pick-your-own place in the western Twin Cities. The woman is very nice and she might be willing to talk to you about her experiences. Her blackberries are wonderful, but the weather this year ruined her crop, so I will be twice as eager for them next year!

I too like to grow blackberries here too. In Seattle, they grow everywhere and they are SWEET! We love them. The ones in grocery stores here are SOUR, even ones marked sweet. Where is this pick-your-own place? Are the berries sweet? We should get some ideas from the lady. I suppose if you get hardy varieties and protect them like roses, they maybe OK.

I grew blackberries in Becker County (very cold; 3b) by covering in snow with snow blower at least 6 feet high. They were still green at the bases in the spring and produced extremely well. They were only hard to zone 5 or 6 as I recall. They were Illini Hardy or something from Nourse Nursery in MA.

I have I believe black caps but they are good eating and pretty big. not like the ones you buy at the storesbut still good.. I don't have alot but if you would like some plants in the spring keep in touch...
I have to get them in more sun...

Lori, look for email from me.

Here's a great source for finding many farm products available in different parts of our state.

Here is a link that might be useful: MN Grown Directory