The optimum depth ranges from 3 to 4 inches for fine materials, such as sawdust, to 8 to 10 inches for straw on well-drained soils. Avoid deep mulches on poorly drained soils to discourage root diseases. Since mulches gradually decompose, apply additional material each year. Good cultural practices should help prevent many insect and disease problems. For example, pruning and removal of the old fruiting canes immediately after the summer harvest removes potential disease inoculum.
Narrow hedgerows dry quickly after a rain, discouraging disease development.
Apply pesticides when insects and diseases start to cause significant damage. Pest control recommendations can be found in Pm-175, The Home Fruit Spray Schedule . Iowa State University , Ames, Iowa. This information subject to a usage policy .