gardewning

[oddjobchas]

best way to grow raspberries?

[YvonneM]

We grow raspberries. In fact I have just picked 2 lb which I am going to freeze. T
The early variety is grown on 'canes' and fruit on last year's growth We have 2 stout poles 5-6 ft high firmly embedded in the garden at each end of the row where the raspberry canes are to be planted. Wires are stretched between the poles about 18" apart so that the canes can be tied in as if you don't the weight of the fruit breaks the canes. While the canes are fruiting on last year's growth the new shoots are appearing for next year berries. So at the end of the fruiting season the old canes have to be cut down and the new ones tied into the wires. Phew !

But we now have an autumn variety which need a lot less work they need no support, and fruit on the current year's growth so when they have done fruiting they are cut back just above ground level. These fruit more slowly and last year I was picking into October.

[oddjobchas]

thanks ever so much we shall have the jam next year

[YvonneM]

If you know someone with canes try begging a few as they will have some spare ad the plants tend to spread very easily. We have loads to spare and give them away to anyone who wants

[oddjobchas]

thanks for your answer good idea