Allotment Gardening Advice Help Chat

Growing => Grow Your Own => Topic started by: operabunny on March 26, 2011, 21:02

Title: Weed infested raspberries and rhubarb.
Post by: operabunny on March 26, 2011, 21:02

On the new plot I am trying to locate underneath many, many weeds there are some raspberries and rhubarb.

I am wondering whether to try digging out the weeds without damaging the fruit (difficult as it is VERY overgrown) or whether to get a fork well underneath, lift the whole lot, separate and replant the raspberries and rhubarb.

It strikes me that both ways are going to be traumatic for the poor plants, but better than being left to fight with the weeds!

I haven't grown either before so would welcome comments from those who know what they're doing!

Title: Re: Weed infested raspberries and rhubarb.
Post by: mumofstig on March 26, 2011, 21:15

I'd hand weed as best I could for now, and give them a mulch to discourage the weeds.

If they still need clearing do it in the winter when the plants are resting.

Other opinions will follow, no doubt  ;)

Title: Re: Weed infested raspberries and rhubarb.
Post by: operabunny on March 26, 2011, 21:24

Thanks, Mum  :)

Title: Re: Weed infested raspberries and rhubarb.
Post by: Ma and Pa Snip on March 26, 2011, 21:33

I'm in agreement with MoS.

Weed out what you can by hand and light forking without lifting the plants. May as well get what crop you can from them this year.  Do the dig and replant if you have to when the plants are dormant.

Title: Re: Weed infested raspberries and rhubarb.
Post by: Nobbie on March 26, 2011, 21:44

Once you hand weed and the rhubarb gets growing it should shade out the weeds pretty quickly, so no need to replant. with the Raspberries, you could try a bit of Roundup once the canes are fully grown. If you're careful and cover the stems you shouldn't harm the raspberries.