What would be a good planting site for raspberries?
Raspberries are adaptable to a wide range of soil types. They grow best in well-drained, fertile soils with a pH of 6.0 to 6.8. Raspberries grow poorly in heavy clay or poorly drained soils. Raspberries are more susceptible to diseases, such as Phytophthora root rot, in wet, poorly drained soils.
Poor soils can often be improved by incorporating well-rotted barnyard manure or compost. Planting in raised beds also can improve drainage. When selecting a planting site, choose an area that receives full sun. Avoid shady areas near large trees and shrubs. Also, avoid areas that are heavily infested with perennial weeds. Perennial weeds, such as quackgrass, are extremely difficult to control in a raspberry planting. If possible, remove all wild brambles near the site to prevent the spread of virus diseases to the raspberry planting.
How do I go about dividing perennials in spring?
Early spring is an excellent time to divide asters, mums, hostas, daylilies, garden phlox and many other perennials. Dig up the perennials in early spring just as new growth begins to appear. Divide each plant clump into sections with a sharp knife. Each division should contain several shoots and a portion of the root system. Replant the divisions immediately. Keep the newly divided perennials well watered through spring and summer. Most newly divided perennials do not bloom well until their second growing season.
When is the proper time to prune spring-flowering shrubs?
Spring-flowering shrubs bloom in spring on the growth of the previous season. Two widely planted examples are the lilac and forsythia. The proper time to prune spring-flowering shrubs is largely determined by their condition and the amount of pruning required.
Old, neglected spring-flowering shrubs often require extensive pruning to rejuvenate or renew the plants. The best time to rejuvenate large, old shrubs is late winter or early spring (mid-February to early April) before the plants begin to leaf out. While heavy pruning in late winter or early spring will reduce or eliminate the flower display for a few years, the restoration of a healthy, vigorous shrub is more important.
If spring-flowering shrubs need only light pruning, prune them immediately after blooming. Pruning immediately after bloom allows the gardener to enjoy the spring flower display and gives the shrubs adequate time to initiate new flower buds for next season.