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#1
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Soil Depth for Raspberries
My new allotment was dug up by the council with a massive digger, so there's
lots of debris (boulders, wood boards, etc) buried in the soil. The soil is very heavy and wet. Last weekend I started to dig out a trench for raspberries, and holes for red/white/blackcurrants. After about 1 or 2 spits deep, more often than not I hit rubbish that took herculean efforts to dig out, and very soon my back gave up. I'd planned to dig 2 spits deep and then add manure to the trench. If there's debris at the 2 spits depth, is it okay to leave it there and hope the roots find their way around, or does it all have to come out? Thanks. |
#2
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Soil Depth for Raspberries
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#3
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Soil Depth for Raspberries
"Mel" wrote in message ... My new allotment was dug up by the council with a massive digger, so there's lots of debris (boulders, wood boards, etc) buried in the soil. The soil is very heavy and wet. Last weekend I started to dig out a trench for raspberries, and holes for red/white/blackcurrants. After about 1 or 2 spits deep, more often than not I hit rubbish that took herculean efforts to dig out, and very soon my back gave up. I'd planned to dig 2 spits deep and then add manure to the trench. If there's debris at the 2 spits depth, is it okay to leave it there and hope the roots find their way around, or does it all have to come out? Thanks. In a previous garden I tended Raspberries, which to my knowledge, had been in situ for over 30 years and produced very heavy crops. All the grass clippings from the lawns were just thrown on the bed and this practice had resulted in very shallow rooted plants. Given enough water and feed I guess they will survive and thrive in a minimal depth of soil. |
#4
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Soil Depth for Raspberries
Put a layer of well rotted manure over the rubble, which will help drainage,
then back fill. top dress with bonemeal, high potash feed then enjoy wonderful fruit. regards Cineman "Rupert (W.Yorkshire)" wrote in message ... "Mel" wrote in message ... My new allotment was dug up by the council with a massive digger, so there's lots of debris (boulders, wood boards, etc) buried in the soil. The soil is very heavy and wet. Last weekend I started to dig out a trench for raspberries, and holes for red/white/blackcurrants. After about 1 or 2 spits deep, more often than not I hit rubbish that took herculean efforts to dig out, and very soon my back gave up. I'd planned to dig 2 spits deep and then add manure to the trench. If there's debris at the 2 spits depth, is it okay to leave it there and hope the roots find their way around, or does it all have to come out? Thanks. In a previous garden I tended Raspberries, which to my knowledge, had been in situ for over 30 years and produced very heavy crops. All the grass clippings from the lawns were just thrown on the bed and this practice had resulted in very shallow rooted plants. Given enough water and feed I guess they will survive and thrive in a minimal depth of soil. |
#5
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Soil Depth for Raspberries
I agree; the canes are too old. It is not a problem with building
debris. Mel wrote: My new allotment was dug up by the council with a massive digger, so there's lots of debris (boulders, wood boards, etc) buried in the soil. The soil is very heavy and wet. Last weekend I started to dig out a trench for raspberries, and holes for red/white/blackcurrants. After about 1 or 2 spits deep, more often than not I hit rubbish that took herculean efforts to dig out, and very soon my back gave up. I'd planned to dig 2 spits deep and then add manure to the trench. If there's debris at the 2 spits depth, is it okay to leave it there and hope the roots find their way around, or does it all have to come out? Thanks. |
#6
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Soil Depth for Raspberries
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#7
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Soil Depth for Raspberries
Mel
Generally raspberries are shallow rooted and the approach you are taking should be fine. Raspberries are forest fruits - naturally growing in woodland clearings. This tells us a little about their soils needs - free draining, cool roots and moisture. The muck will help improve the soil. Come spring mulch the row with organic material, which should be removed in the autum so it does not harbour raspberry beetle or other raspberry bests (it can be dug in elswhere in the garden) Having said that I got some bare rooted autumn raspberries 'Polka' which must have about 3ft of roots. If that is not a sign that they are going to be vigourous! Good luck and Happy growing Clifford Bawtry, Doncsater, South Yorkshire |
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