How to Mulch Raspberries & Blackberries

Blackberries and raspberries are beloved for their rich color, juicy flavor, unique texture--and health benefits. Both provide abundant antioxidants (which studies show help defend against a range of diseases), as well as vitamins, minerals and fiber. Whether served in pies or parfaits, juiced, canned or frozen, berries can be a true delight for the senses. Growing your own also can be most satisfying and they are not difficult to cultivate. Mulching can help keep your berry plants healthy and weed-free year-round.

Mulch material: straw, sawdust, wood chips, lawn clippings, or chopped leaves

Instructions

- 1
  Collect mulch material as you perform lawn and garden care and home improvement tasks throughout the year. Instead of bagging and disposing of your lawn clippings, raked leaves, wood chips, or sawdust, hold onto them for the sake of your berry plantings.
- 2
  Apply at least 4 inches of mulch material to the soil around your plantings. For raspberries, applying straw can require as much as 8 to 10 inches of cover.
- 3
  Apply mulch material to the same depth between the rows of plantings.
- 4
  Add more straw or grass mulch material after the first frost in fall or winter. By this time of year, the blackberry or raspberry canes will have fallen to the ground. Applying more mulch over the canes will help protect them until the spring.
- 5
  Repeat steps 1 through 4 each year to protect plantings, retain moisture, and stave off weeds.

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