After trimming the raspberries, it is the best time to clean the area of all leaves, branches and debris. I use a 6″ rake, it fits well between the canes.  After the area is clean, to control weeds, I apply Caseron.  It should be applied to raspberries before any weeds or grasses begin to grow.

Caseron prevents weeds. It is actually a pre-mergent and keeps seeds from germinating.  It also creates a barrier that keeps weed roots (like quack-grass), from breaking through the soil. However, woody plants and trees are not affected, that is the magic of Caseron.  It can be sprinkled around woody plants, like raspberries, currents, shrubs and trees, without any damage to any new or old growth. It is the best product I have ever used and it also lasts the entire season.  Products like Prem will last about eight weeks then re-application is necessary. Prem works well around flower beds and garden paths, but the results have not been the best for me.

It may be a little early to apply Caseron, and some areas may still have snow, but do not wait too long.  I am going to apply it to my fence lines and ditch banks tomorrow morning, (when the ground is still frozen and I will not sink in the mud).

Caseron works best on bare ground. To apply, sprinkle it about as thick as salt and pepper. I use a hand fertilizer spreader that spreads it very thin. Caseron also works well on cracks or seams of cement sidewalks or driveways. For some of my wide flower borders, I use a walk behind lawn fertilizer spreader.

1.  Do not apply it too thick or it will kill the ‘good’ plants. A little bit goes a long way.

2.  READ PACKAGE DIRECTIONS CAREFULLY!!  Caseron is a STRONG HERBICIDE.

3.  Be careful, Caseron lasts one year in the soil.

4.  Caseron spreads, I have had it spread as much as one foot.  So do not apply it too close to gardens or flowers.

5.  Be careful using it around children, pets and livestock–especially chickens.

6.  Use a face-mask and gloves when applying and wash clothes afterward.

50 WEEK GARDEN SCHEDULE

Jan. 4th Week 1 Order gardening catalogs

Jan. 11th Week 2 Check out Books & Magazines from Library

Jan. 18th Week 3 Family survey

Jan. 25th Week 4 Garden Journal, study gardening books

Feb. 1st Week 5 Seed inventory, test seeds

Feb. 8th Week 6 Make a garden plan

Feb. 15th Week 7 How much to plant

Feb. 22nd Week 8 Buy seeds

Mar. 1st Week 9 Plant onion seeds and artichokes

Mar. 15th Week 11 Plant broccoli, cauliflower, cabbage seeds

Mar. 22nd Week 12 Plant flower seeds & herbs

Mar. 29th Week 13 Plant onion sets, plant raspberry starts

Apr. 5th Week 14 Plant tomato, pepper seeds

Apr. 12th Week 15 Transplant broccoli, cauliflower, cabbage if ready

HAVE A GREAT GARDENING WEEK, WHETHER IT IS DREAMING OR GETTING IN THE DIRT!!!!