Fruitful Care
Blackberries, dewberries and raspberries should have this year’s fruiting canes pruned out after the crop is harvested. Canes that fruit this year will die anyway. They’re easier to remove while they are still green and before new canes get any larger. Cutting out old canes helps control diseases and insect pests. Fireblighted twigs on apples, pears and quince should be removed before cankers form. This removes potential sources of infection at blooming time next spring. Make all cuts well below killed area—at least three inches. Burn all prunings. Sterilize pruning shears after each cut by dipping in a solution of corrosive sublimate, available at a drug store. Or use a solution of chlorine bleach. Oil shears after using to prevent rust.