How to Fight Raspberry Overgrowth: Secrets from Experienced Gardeners

Many gardeners face the problem of excessive growth of this plant.

It is worth remembering that raspberries can crowd out other crops and turn a well-groomed area into impassable thickets.

Understanding the nature of sprawl

Before starting to combat the growth of raspberries, it is important to understand the mechanism of its spread, emphasized the expert of the online publication "BelNovosti", scientist-agronomist and landscape designer Anastasia Kovrizhnykh.

Raspberries are propagated in two main ways: by root suckers and apical layering.

Root suckers emerge from dormant buds on the roots and can grow at a considerable distance from the mother plant. Apical suckers form when the tips of the shoots touch the ground and take root.

Regular pruning

One of the key methods of controlling the growth of raspberries is regular pruning.

In spring, all weak, damaged and excess shoots should be removed, leaving only the strongest and healthiest ones.

In the fall, it is necessary to cut off the branches that have borne fruit to the base. This practice not only limits the growth, but also improves the yield of the remaining shoots.

Using root barriers

Installing root barriers is an effective way to limit the spread of raspberries.

A special material (for example, slate or thick plastic) is dug into the ground around the perimeter of the raspberry patch to a depth of about 50-60 cm. The barrier prevents the spread of root shoots beyond the designated area.

Mulching and weeding

Regular mulching of the soil around raspberry bushes helps suppress the growth of weeds and young shoots.

Straw, sawdust or special mulching film can be used as mulch. It is also important to promptly remove young shoots that appear outside the raspberry patch, digging them up along with the roots.

Formation of a series

For ease of care and control of spread, it is recommended to plant raspberries in a row no more than 30-40 cm wide.

This form of planting makes pruning, harvesting and removing excess shoots easier. Any plants appearing outside this strip should be removed immediately.

Correct placement of raspberry patch

When planning a garden, you should carefully choose a place to plant raspberries. The ideal option is to place the raspberry patch in a remote part of the plot, where its growth will not interfere with other crops.

You can also use raspberries as a hedge around the perimeter of your property, controlling their growth on one side only.