Re: [nafex] Preparing clay soil for raspberries

Thanks, folks, for the info on amending soil for raspberries. One
concern is that Pete mentioned that they don't like wet feet. Around
here, we have to have everything on irrigation or plants can dry up and
die quickly. As a result, there is a tendency for plants to get
overwatered, because underwatering can be fatal.

So I'm worried that even with all the organic matter mixed in, the soil
will stay too wet. Maybe vermiculite would be a good option. Guess I can
try to keep an eye on the amount of irrigation to keep it safe but at a
minimum.

Ideas?

Regards,

Jay

Jay Cutts
Director, Cutts Graduate Reviews
Lead Author, Barron's MCAT Prep Book
Lead Author, Barron's LSAT Prep Book (2013)
(505)-281-0684
10 am to 10 pm Mt Time, 7 days

On 10/14/2014 5:59 PM, Devin Smith via nafex wrote:
> Jay--
>
> the gravel/sand idea sounds like an engineering paradigm applied to what is properly the domain of biology. I don't have experience with true clay soil as such, but the silt loam on my site is quite heavy and easily compacted. I'd concur on organic matter, though I'd tend to apply much of it to the surface rather than till it in. If you are going to till, possible supplements you might consider include porous aggregate (vermiculite is good), charcoal, and gypsum (you didn't mention your pH) as it aggregates clay particles creating good tilth. No matter what, I would top it off with a nice heavy mulch of whatever is available. I'm fond of a layer of leaves and grass clippings covered with 4" or o of wood chips. Get the biology going and let it do the heavy lifting. I have several rows of raspberries growing in 4-6" of soil over ledge and they produce well after being mulched heavily.
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