Growing Raspberries

Raspberries are easy to grow and suitable for organic methods. Although they take up a fair bit of space, they will repay the use of this space with heavy crops of fruit.

There are two types of Raspberry – The standard summer fruiting varieties such as Malling Promise, Glen Magna and Glen Cova and the autumn fruiting varieties like Autumn Bliss and Heritage.

Soil Conditions and Siting

Raspberries grow best in a deep, well drained but moisture retentive soil. The site should be sheltered and sunny but with a good flow of air. This airflow will reduce the risk of Mildew. They will tolerate slight shade but prefer a sunny position. The pH of the soil should be around 6.0. Above a pH 7.0 they suffer from iron deficiency.

Planting

Raspberries can be purchased as bare rooted plants or container grown. Plant out in autumn or early winter. They are best planted in a trench 2ft (60cm) wide and 1 spade deep. Break up the bottom of the trench with a fork and put in a 4" (10cm) layer of well-rotted manure or compost. Mix more organic matter with the soil that is being replaced and mix in 1 handful of Bonemeal per yard/metre run. Set the plants just a little deeper than they were in the pot or nursery and space the plants 18" (45cm) apart with 6ft (1.8m) between the rows. Cut the canes to 6" (15cm) above the ground. Water thoroughly after planting.

Support

Grow Raspberries against a wire and post support. Tie the canes in to the wires as they grow, spacing them 4" (10cm) apart. When the canes reach the top of the support they can be cut off although some people tend to prefer arching them over and tying them in to the wires. The autumn fruiting varieties are generally grown as free standing but on more open sites it may be necessary to support them against wind damage.

Maintenance

Feeding

Raspberries need little or no feeding once they have been planted. An annual mulch applied in the spring will usually supply their nutrient needs. A yellowing between the veins of the leaves indicates an iron deficiency. To remedy this give a foliar feed of seaweed extract or Epsom Salts.

Pruning

Summer varieties fruit on wood that has been made the year before. Once the fruit has been harvested, cut out the canes that have born the fruit leaving the new canes that have grown this year unless they are overcrowded. Pull out any suckers that are growing towards the pathways.

The autumn fruiting varieties fruit on the present years canes. Cut the previous years canes down to ground level in the late winter/early spring.

Harvesting

Berries to be used for cooking can be picked just before they are fully ripe. For eating fresh, pick the fruits when they are ripe, keeping the central plug or core attached to the fruit. Pick over the plants, as new fruits will ripen on a daily basis. Fresh Raspberries do not store well but may be made into jam or frozen.

Protection

Netting may be needed as protection against bird damage.

Pests and Diseases

Aphids, Birds, Botrytis, Mildew and virus diseases, Raspberry beetle, Spur Blight and Cane spot are common problems. (See the pests and diseases sections for prevention's and cures).