Fertilization & Soil Nutrition

Start with a soil test

• Test pH and nutrient levels every 2–3 years; amend based on recommendations.
• Targets: pH 6.0–6.5 for brambles; 5.8–6.5 raspberries; ~6–7.5 mulberry/passionfruit; 5.5–7.2 pomegranate.

General guidance (home scale)

• Use a balanced granular (e.g., 10-10-10) unless your soil test says otherwise.
• Split applications: half at budbreak/early spring, half after bloom or at early fruit set.
• Organic equivalents: well-made compost + slow-release organic blends (e.g., 4-4-4, 5-3-3) applied at higher rates by label.

Blackberries (erect, floricane)

• Year 1: ~½–1 cup 10-10-10 per plant split; watch foliage color and vigor.
• Established: ~1–2 cups per plant per season split; adjust to shoot growth (aim ≈3–4 ft new primocanes before tipping).

Raspberries (primocane)

• Year 1: ~½ cup 10-10-10 per plant early spring; a second light feeding mid-season if pale.
• Established: ¾–1 cup per plant split; reduce if excessive vegetative growth suppresses fruiting.

Mulberry

• Often needs little beyond compost; if pale, ½–1 cup balanced granular in spring.

Passionfruit

• Light, regular feed during active growth; too much N = foliage, fewer flowers. Consider monthly liquid feed (e.g., 3-1-5 ratio) plus micronutrients.

Pomegranate

• Light spring feeding if growth is weak; excessive N can reduce flowering. Keep moisture even to reduce splitting.

Micronutrients

• Iron chlorosis (high pH or cold soils): Yellow leaves with green veins—chelated Fe drench/foliar can help; correct pH longer-term.
• Magnesium: Interveinal yellowing on older leaves—add Epsom salt (MgSO₄) sparingly if soil test confirms need.

> Always follow label rates. More isn’t better—excess salts can burn roots and reduce fruit quality.