[GillyHen]

I'm thinking about using the same bark chippings I have for my in-between bed path to put around the base of the raspberry patch to try and dampen down the masses of weeds re-growing there once they've been removed! Are there any issues I need to consider regarding soil ph and unhappy fruit bushes? In the same area being considered and which will be under the same fruit cage are blackcurrants and goosegogs.

[Eatyourgreens]

There is a possible problem with this for the Gooseberries and Currents, the Gooseberry Sawfly that can devastate these bushes apparently over winters in dead leaves, at or near the base of the plants, your bark chippings could give them a good home.

Not sure how other fruit bushes would be affected by this.



Bob

[GillyHen]

Thanks for that thought Bob, the goosegogs and blackcurrants were moved to that patch so the dug area they were planted into currently has no weeds = spacious between plants = easier to maintain but the raspberries which have been there a long while are a different matter 

[Eatyourgreens]

I think it would be OK for the Gooseberries etc, if you could mulch for the summer and then clean it up for the winter. Think I will do this next year with Straw.


Bob

[woodentop]

Have used bark chippings around my raspberries with no problems for several years

[Goosegirl]

Just make sure that the bark chippings you use are well composted as I believe new chippings from a shredder need to compost for a while to get rid of the toxins they have in, I think, their bark.