Raspberries and sawdust? - Ask Extension
Is it okay to use sawdust by raspberry plants? It is oak wood sawdust. To keep down weeds, I have been using newspaper and straw, and wondering (sin...
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Raspberries and sawdust? #870361
Asked May 28, 2024, 8:23 AM EDT
Is it okay to use sawdust by raspberry plants? It is oak wood sawdust. To keep down weeds, I have been using newspaper and straw, and wondering (since we have a bunch of sawdust) if okay to also use sawdust instead of straw on top of newspaper? Thank you.
Hennepin County Minnesota
Expert Response
Hi Lisa,
The traditional straw mulch protects the plants, holds moisture in the soil, prevents fruit from resting on dirt and also allows air circulation. Once wet, sawdust can form a hard layer that may prevent water from penetrating.
Using a little sawdust may be okay, but straw is a better mulch for this plant.
Good luck.
