Knowledgebase

What is this grey stuff in my raspberry patch? #868090

Asked May 12, 2024, 3:15 PM EDT

Hello! These are grey lumps sometimes just on the surface, other times go at least 3 to 4 inches into the ground. There are areas only in the very back of the patch where the ground is very wet all the time and it doesn't see a lot of sun. This stuff has a clay-like consistency. It crumbles and falls apart if I don't pick it up very gently. I moved in a year ago, don't have history on the patch, but nobody has dumped anything on it, and it isn't scat (as suggested in Facebook groups), I brought the pics to Bell's nursery who suggested I contact you. I'm happy to bring some down to the Anchorage office.

Anchorage County Alaska

Expert Response

I have never seen anything like this before. My best guessed is that it is a fertilizer spill.

Stephen Brown, Ph.D. Replied May 13, 2024, 12:46 PM EDT

Hi! Thanks so much for replying so quickly!

If I were to actually bring a bit in to the Anchorage office, would you then be able to know for sure? I'd be happy to pop around at some point.

Please let me know if that isn't too gross!

Thanks! Stacey

Sent via the Samsung Galaxy S23 5G, an AT&T 5G smartphone

-------- Original message --------

From: Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>>

Date: 5/13/24 08:46 (GMT-09:00)

To: Stacey Cardy <<personal data hidden>>

Subject: Re: What is this grey stuff in my raspberry patch? (#0138011)

The Question Asker Replied May 13, 2024, 2:36 PM EDT

Hi Stacey,

My office is at the Matanuska Experiment Farm in Palmer. I'm still not sure if I would be able to identify it.

++++++++++
Stephen C. Brown, Ph.D.
Professor of Agricultural Extension
Cooperative Extension Service
University of Alaska Fairbanks
1509 S. Georgeson Rd.
Palmer, Alaska  9964<personal data hidden> voice,<personal data hidden> cell
sites.google.com/a/alaska.edu/brown/
<personal data hidden>
++++++++++

The University of Alaska is an affirmative 
action/equal opportunity employer and educational 
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against any individual: www.alaska.edu/nondiscrimination.

On 5/13/24 10:36 AM, Ask Extension wrote:

Stephen Brown, Ph.D. Replied May 13, 2024, 2:53 PM EDT

I think I'll just dig it up and get rid of it. It goes down quite deep and tunnels. Thank you so much! I appreciate your help!