How to Manage Pests

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Caneberries will grow best in full sun on soils that are deep and well drained. Sandy loam or loamy sand soils are optimum. Soils should be able to hold moisture well because berries require a constant supply of water. Optimum soil pH (acidity or alkalinity) is about 6.5, although plants will be productive at pHs between 6.0 and 7.5. You may lower the pH to some degree with applications of sulfur or raise it with applications of lime. Avoid planting in soils with a history of Verticillium wilt.

Blackberries are quite tolerant of a wide range of temperatures. Plants can be protected to some degree in colder climate regions by mulching. In warm summer areas, berry plants may be shorter lived and produce smaller and lower quality berries. Raspberries are much more susceptible to heat and cold. They are ideally suited to the areas of California where high summer temperatures are moderated by a coastal influence. However, acceptable crops of high-quality fruit may be harvested in other climate zones.