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Whats up with Caroline?
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Posted by kept 5/6 (My Page) on Sat, Nov 7, 09 at 10:57
As per this site I planted some Caroline Raspberries this spring. They are growing vigorously but the berries themselves are not sweet. Is it my soil? I live just north of St Louis and the soil tends to be more on the alk side with lots of clay. I planted Caroline with lots of manure and mulch.
Thanks,
Vicki |
Follow-Up Postings:
RE: Whats up with Caroline?
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- Posted by ericwi Dane County WI (My Page) on
Sat, Nov 7, 09 at 11:04
| Our everbearing red raspberries vary in sweetness, depending on rainfall, and time of year. They are the sweetest during the August drought, when they get maximum sunlight, and just enough water to keep the canes green & healthy. They are not so sweet in September and October. We also have soil that is high in clay, and the pH is around 7.6, higher than recommended for raspberries. Nonetheless, the patch grows vigorously, and continues to spread. |
RE: Whats up with Caroline?
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| The main thing that will contribute to the plant's ability to make a lot of sugars, thereby making a sweet berry, is going to be the weather. Warm, sunny, slightly dry weather is best for this. Cooler, wetter, and dark or gloomy weather does not. Now, if your weather in Missouri has been anything like mine in Michigan this year (COLD), it was NOT the year for sweet berries. |
RE: Whats up with Caroline?
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| Vicki they should fruit earlier next year in the warmer weather - the first years tend to fruit later since they are just getting going. So I wouldn't put much meaning in this years crop. Scott |
RE: Whats up with Caroline?
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| I agree with Scott, but you should also consider that your clay soil may contribute to excess water which could tend to produce more watery fruit. In most soils raspberries do better planted on raised beds- on clay soils I consider RB's a prerequisite. Well mulched RB's should help raise the quality of the fruit if you aren't already using this method. |
RE: Whats up with Caroline?
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- Posted by kept 5/6 (My Page) on
Sun, Nov 8, 09 at 14:07
| Thanks everyone. I suspect it has been all the rain. If drier weather makes a sweeter berry then we have definately not had the right weather this year. Makes sense since my strawberries did the same thing last spring. Big beautiful water logged berries!!! |
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