As for variety, Weeks has tried many different ones over the years and sees the best and the worst of each.

"We look for many things as we look for the best varieties," he said, "but one of the most important is disease resistance. Canby is a good single-crop berry except for the fact that it is not as disease resistant. Cowichan has better disease resistance but is not as available to homeowners."

"Ruby is another good one that we are growing, and for an old-fashioned raspberry favorite, it's hard to beat Summit. I do have to say that my wife is an excellent judge of berries, and she thinks that Heritage is the very best."

Because diseases are such a problem, Weeks recommends planting certified virus-free plants. If you transplant plants from old neighborhood patches, you bring with you all of the accumulated diseases and other pests, and your plants will likely fail in two to three years.

Weeks also stresses the importance of two growth factors. "Water is more important than fertilizer, but they both are critical to good, high-quality berries. It is critical that you pay attention to the water needs from the time the plant blooms until you finish picking the fruit. If you stress the plants, they do not produce," he said.

It is also important to avoid overwatering. Watering too early in the season often cools the soil temperature and slows root growth. It also restricts oxygen to the roots, which aggravates iron chlorosis or yellowing of the leaves. This problem is much worse with heavy clay alkaline soils.

In addition to myriad fresh berries, the family produces many processed products, including freezer jams and fruit drinks. The berries are available seasonally at their stand on Highway 89 in Wellsville and at the Farmers Market in Park City and in Pioneer Park. You can also get the products at the farm by calling 435-245-3377.

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Larry A. Sagers is the horticulture specialist, Utah State University Extension at Thanksgiving Point.