Replanting in a fruit cage - how to avoid replant disease

[littlemoney]

I have a fruit cage with raspberries. They are old and no longer grow well nor are very productive. I can't move the fruit cage and am physically unable to change the large amount of soil mentioned in some books.

I have a similar problem, outside the fruit cage, with blackberries, nearly 30 years old, so I want to replace but I can't move elsewhere as I need to replant where the support posts and wires are.

Are there any options open to me or do I have to give up growing soft fruit as I am physically unable to create new supports or move the fruit cage or change the soil.

Thanks

[Guest]

Whilst it is not a great situation to be in, if you are set on replacing like for like then all I can think of that might help is going with newer varieties that should have more vigour and mycorrhizal fungi. I haven't used it myself but I read a couple of grapes that were impressed.

[Bigmallly]

I can't see any problem planting like for like if the current plants are not diseased. Just freshen your compost up with some organic matter.

[WendyC]

I have had good success with mycorrhizal fungi in getting plants to establish well.

[littlemoney]

Whilst it is not a great situation to be in, if you are set on replacing like for like then all I can think of that might help is going with newer varieties that should have more vigour and mycorrhizal fungi. I haven't used it myself but I read a couple of grapes that were impressed.

What newer varieties can you suggest please? The blackberry is Oregon Thornless and if possible I would like to replace with another thornless variety.

[littlemoney]

I have had good success with mycorrhizal fungi in getting plants to establish well.

How did you successfully use the mycorrhizal fungi. I have read that it can be sprinkled in the planting hole or you should make a paste and dip bare rooted plants in it before planting. Any suggestions on how to use would be appreciated.

[WendyC]

I just sprinkled it on bare roots and sprinkled in the planting hole. Making a paste sounds like too much mucking around for me!