Week of July 3, 2022

A major project at TAProots farm this year is the replanting of the raspberry patch, with had declined in productivity as the bushes aged out. Part of the original patch had been converted to gooseberries, leaving a 70’ by 40’ garden for five rows of new raspberries, as well as rehabilitating a row of old black raspberries. The new bushes included 172 plants from eight varieties, including 2 primocane and 4 floricane red varieties with a range of ripening dates, as well as yellow and purple raspberries.

These were planted in May. Deer predation of the new plants and gooseberries has been a daunting problem, resulting in a 40’ by 100’ deer fence, 7 feet high, constructed around the newly planted rows. Also, straw was used for weed control around the gooseberries, and hay used around the raspberry bushes. The patch can be irrigated by sprinkler via hose from the barn. This is the first deer-proof garden at TAProots Vineyard, which may allow other plants like tomatoes and lettuce to be grown. Very exciting prospects for raspberry jam next year!