Brambles and Weed Control

Cultivation

• Use a hand cultivator or hoe when weeds are small. Dig or scrape no more than 2 inches deep, as bramble roots are close to the surface. Hand-pulling is effective when brambles and weeds are young, but difficult as the canes grow. Their thorns prevent close cultivation.

Irrigation

• Use drip irrigation to save water and apply moisture directly to the plant. Drip emitters and tricklers reduce disease because bramble foliage is not watered. This watering method reduces weeds because only the bramble is watered, not the surrounding soil.

Mulch

• Use mulch with drip irrigation to conserve water and minimize weed growth. Apply a light layer of organic mulch to stabilize soil temperature against heat and cold extremes. Avoid heavy mulch applications that encourage disease and inhibit cane growth.