- 1). Clear the raspberry bed of weeds prior to mulching. Hand pull weeds around the canes and between the plants to avoid damage to the raspberry roots. Cultivate the top 2 inches of soil between the raspberry rows with a tiller or hoe to remove the weeds.
- 2). Spread a thick layer of mulch between the raspberry rows. Apply up to 8 inches of straw or 3 inches of sawdust.
- 3). Mulch around the base of the raspberry plants with a thinner layer of material, or the mulch will prevent the raspberry plants from sending up new shoots in spring. Use 2 or 3 inches of straw or 1 or 2 inches of sawdust.
- 4). Replenish the mulch layer in fall to maintain its depth year-round. Mulch decomposes and breaks down, requiring annual reapplication.