Advice
RHS Help & Advice
Weed control in the fruit garden
Prior to planting
Fruiting plants are a long term investment, so it is worth spending a full growing season eradicating perennial weeds before planting. During the growing season apply a non-selective herbicide containing glyphosate. After planting be prepared gels can be used around low hanging foliage to avoid accidental spray damage. Covering the ground for six to nine months with black polythene prior to planting will also help eliminate perennial weeds.
Established fruit
Care should be taken in applying herbicides around established fruit, as some crops are sensitive to herbicides. If thorough weed control is carried out before planting, an annual mulch of a well-rotted organic matter will help smother annual weeds. To suppress perennial weeds without using herbicides use a woven mulching fabric, but this loses the benefit of applying an organic mulch.
Apples and pears
Glufosinate ammonium can be used during the growing season. Glyphosate is best applied towards the end of winter for couch control. Avoid summer treatments with glyphosate. Use a gel form for summer spot treatments.
Plums and cherries
As for apples and pears, but suckers are especially liable to damaged by glyphosate in summer.
Goosberries, black, red, and white currants
Glufosinate ammonium can be applied during the growing season, taking special care to avoid spray drift. Glyphosate can be difficult to apply around low-growing plants which may easily be damaged. A gel form can be used for spot treatments.
Cane fruits
Use glufosinate ammonium when plants are dormant and before new suckers are present. Do not use glyphosate around cane fruit.