RASPBERRY CULTURE 



Circular No. 37 



BY R. E. LOKEB 



The raspberry is well adapted to cultivation in Michigan and in some 

 sections of the state ranks high among the small fruits as a commercial 

 crop. Conditions are ideal in many localities for raspberry growing and 

 they should be more commonly grown both as a market and as a home 

 garden product. In many towns and cities of the state the demand for 

 raspberries in a fresh state far exceeds the supply. Such markets furnish 

 excellent opportunities for those who are fortunate enough to have a 

 nearby location and sufficient labor to harvest and care for the crop. More 

 raspberry plantings should be made in farm and suburban gardens and 

 there are many city gardeners who could well afford to devote some space 

 to their cultivation. Their culture is comparatively easy and with ordin- 

 ary care and attention small plantings often supply an abundance of 

 fresh fruit for the table in season and some surplus for canning and pre- 

 serving for winter use. Profitable crops may be expected the second or 

 third year from the time of planting, and the plantation should remain in 

 a profitable condition for several years depending upon the care which 

 it receives. 



While success in raspberry growing depends very largely upon the in- 

 dividual care and attention of the grower, much depends upon the soil and 

 location of the plantation. Nearness to market or shipping point is an 

 important factor in commercial growing. The fruit is soft and must be 

 marketed quickly and with little handling. Considerable labor Is also 

 necessary for harvesting the crop. The most profitable plantations are 

 those which are located near the larger towns and cities where the product 

 can be marketed quickly and economically, and where pickers can be 

 easily secured. 



SOIL AND LOCATION 



Raspberries may be grown on almost any well drained soil. A sandy 

 loam or clay loam is best. An abundant moisture supply is most impor- 

 tant. The surface soil must be deep and well supplied with humus and 

 should be underlaid with a porous yet retentive subsoil which will keep 

 the water table near the surface. Shallow soils especially if lacking in 

 humus often dry out quickly. They should be made deeper and improved 

 by the use of cover crops and stable manure. Raspberries do not thrive 

 on wet soils or those which do not allow excess moisture to drain off quick- 

 ly. They require large amounts of moisture, especially during the fruiting 

 season, yet easily suffer from any excess of moisture in the soil. The soil 

 should always be moist and very retentive to secure the best results but 

 should never be wet. 



Whenever possible a slightly sloping site somewhat higher than sur- 

 rounding lands should be chosen. Low lands or valleys which have no 

 natural outlet for the heavy cold air which settles in from higher levels 



