Raspberries Joan J - 6 Canes - NOVEMBER DELIVERY

PREPARATION

Raspberry plants do not like an impoverished soil so prepare the ground well and dig in plenty of well rotted manure. Construct a permanent support system if possible (a simple wire and post system is normally perfectly adequate). Raspberries require an open sunny site, preferably on well drained soil. If the land is heavy, make a raised bed. Allow 4m (12ft) for every ten plants and a width of 90cm (3ft). Plant the canes at 40cm (15") intervals (rows should be about 2 metres apart). Plant at a depth of about 6cm (2½"), spreading the roots out.

MULCHING

In the spring mulch the row with compost; making sure this does not bury the canes. This will help to conserve moisture in the soil.

PRUNING

After planting, encourage strong growth by pruning the canes to 25cm (10in), making a sloping cut just above a strong bud. Autumn fruiting varieties, however, are cut to the ground in late winter to make way for new canes that will grow from the base and fruit the same year. Summer fruiting raspberries behave like blackberries, fruiting on one year old canes that are cut out after harvest and then replace by the young canes. Once they have grown to about 90cm (3ft) tall, tie the current seasons canes in to the support wires. Loop the string twice around the cane and use the ends to tie each cane in 20cm (8") apart. Suckers that appear away from the the row should be removed, because these are difficult to tie in and can cause over crowding in the row. Keep the row watered in hot weather. This will ensure that the plants grow unchecked, and that the fruit can develop well. As the fruit ripens, birds eating the raspberries may become a problem. To avoid this, try netting the crop just before it ripens.In early spring apply a fertiliser such as blood, fish and bone along the row. On summer fruiting varieties, prune out at soil level any canes that have carried fruit as soon as the crop has been picked. Leave in place new canes that grow up in spring, and tie these in to replace the fruited ones.

HARVEST

Pick raspberries when they have turned red and feel soft when pressed gently between thumb and fore-finger. They taste best when eaten fresh from the garden, but they will keep in the fridge for a few days. For the best flavour and aroma, allow the fruits to return to room temperature before eating. If you have a glut, then try freezing them or making them into jam.