How to control raspberry suckers - Ask Extension
I have a row of raspberries in the garden, with heavy wood chip mulch for about 2 feet on each side.Still those raspberry roots and suckers get into t...
Knowledgebase
How to control raspberry suckers #627124
Asked April 24, 2020, 8:33 AM EDT
I have a row of raspberries in the garden, with heavy wood chip mulch for about 2 feet on each side.
Still those raspberry roots and suckers get into the vegetable planting area on both sides of the row of raspberries.
I don't want to use chemicals.
I have tried digging the shoots out individually. But now there are just too many!
I have tried rototilling the area (I'm trying to implement no-till or less -till practice in my garden). It is sufficient for the season, but the shoots are back the following year.
Nothing seems very effective.
I've read the U of M information on raspberries, but it doesn't seem to address this issue.
What do you recommend?
How deep would a barrier like lawn edging have to go to prevent raspberry roots from "escaping?"
I'd appreciate any ideas. Or else I will just continue to rototill those suckers!......
Still those raspberry roots and suckers get into the vegetable planting area on both sides of the row of raspberries.
I don't want to use chemicals.
I have tried digging the shoots out individually. But now there are just too many!
I have tried rototilling the area (I'm trying to implement no-till or less -till practice in my garden). It is sufficient for the season, but the shoots are back the following year.
Nothing seems very effective.
I've read the U of M information on raspberries, but it doesn't seem to address this issue.
What do you recommend?
How deep would a barrier like lawn edging have to go to prevent raspberry roots from "escaping?"
I'd appreciate any ideas. Or else I will just continue to rototill those suckers!......
Chisago County Minnesota
Expert Response
Raspberry suckering is how the plants rejuvenate and spread. Flashing 18 inches wide, buried 18 inches deep is probably enough to contain them. So a wide thin sheet buried vertically. Digging them out or roto tilling or a very deep layer of mulch are the only options for controlling the spread. The old canes should be cut down each year so the new canes are necessary for good fruit yields but they can be a nuisance if they get out of bounds.
