New Rasberry Canes and Black Weed Suppressing Membrane????

[carosanto]

Hi Y'All

Have just come back from hours up the lottie.  Recently planted some Raspberry Canes and, realising that the spacing between would allow for loads of weeds, I have laid down a black weed suppressing fabric mulch, with about 2 inch circular holes for each single cane.

Questions:  Can I leave this membrane down for the whole summer?

Will it inhibit growth, if left down?

If left in place should I enlarge each hole round each cane?

Or have I made a mighty ricket by putting it down in the first place?  What else could I use to stop the weeds sprouting?

I know the answer is out there, and any help would be greatly appreciated as I really want my Raspberries to work.

Regards

[carosanto]

[SMP1704]

I have also laid membrance down in the raspberry bed.  It works well, but you will need to make the holes bigger to allow for new growth - 3 years on, each plant takes up 5-7"

[growmore]

You may have been better with larger holes as rasps spread from the base,  otherwise it should be fine. Some  runners may pop up each side of the fabric later on...But it should keep the weeds in check.
we crossed in posting smp1704 :) great minds etc.

[nilly71]

If you make a X instead of an O then it's easier to allow for growth.
I wouldn't be supprised if they grew through the membrane.

Neil

[carosanto]

Hi Y'All

NILLY71 and SMP1704 thanks a lot, I seem to have done the right thing for once.  Will make holes into larger X's and fold under to make room for growth.  Whoo-hoo, just save myself a load of weeding!!!!!!! (Means I can get down to the stuff I actually like).

Regards, Caro