BUSH FRUIT PRODUCTION 



of suckers are produced without this encour- 

 agement. 



Mulching 



Blackberries may be grown successfully un- 

 der a mulch and mulching is particularly ap- 

 plicable to small plots. Straw, waste hay, 

 leaves, and similar materials may be used, but 

 it is well to avoid mulching material carrying 

 ripened seeds. 



A good mulch conserves moisture, keeps 

 Sown weeds, and decays on the under side to 

 furnish a steady supply of plant food. It must 

 be maintained, however, by annual applica- 

 tions, or weeds and sucker plants will soon 

 come through it and put an end to the planta- 

 tion. The mulch between the rows should be 

 heavier than that next to the canes. 



The best way to remove sucker plants is to 

 pull them while they are still green. Often 

 cutting them out only encourages more 

 suckers. 



Fertilizers 



Stable manure is still the main reliance of 

 the blackberry grower. The canes are strong 

 growers and appreciate plenty of plant food. 

 Manure is usually applied before the plants 

 are set and later applications may be made if 



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