Raspberry care - Ask Extension
I've had an everbearing raspberry patch for about 35 years. About 3 years ago it got infected with Phytophthora Root Rot and most of it died out. La...
Knowledgebase
Raspberry care #793319
Asked May 30, 2022, 1:56 PM EDT
I've had an everbearing raspberry patch for about 35 years. About 3 years ago it got infected with Phytophthora Root Rot and most of it died out. Last year I bought new plants of the Caroline variety, said to be resistant, planted in a new location. The vendor told me to not mulch the new patch which is what I had always done to control weeds. Is it OK to mulch raspberries? How else to control weeds? The new patch is infested with a wild morning glory type weed with an extensive root system. Also, I've used Fosetyl on the few remaining old plants and they are recovering - on the new as well?
Washtenaw County Michigan
Expert Response
A reason not to mulch too soon is to allow new raspberry canes to emerge from the soil. It's ok to mulch between raspberry rows. Straw, woodchips or shredded leaves are acceptable materials. If the area drains poorly, mulch with a lighter amount of material (1-2 inches) to avoid root rot. Other than mulching, mechanical removal is the only safe option for weed removal within a raspberry patch.
Compared to other fruits, raspberries usually don't need fungicides unless you notice disease symptoms. Watering to the soil, keeping the leaves dry, and proper space between plants will help reduce disease pressure.
Compared to other fruits, raspberries usually don't need fungicides unless you notice disease symptoms. Watering to the soil, keeping the leaves dry, and proper space between plants will help reduce disease pressure.
