Raspberry

Raspberry Overview

Rubus idaeus, or Raspberries as they are commonly known, are easy to grow fruit canes that produce tasty fruits that can be eaten fresh, frozen for later use or turned into jams, sauces and cooked dishes. There are summer and autumn bearing varieties that extend the season that will grow in most kitchen gardens, fruit patches or allotments. Raspberries are an edge of the woodland plant and grow best in slightly sheltered, partially shaded areas that do not dry out. Mulch with well-rotted garden compost or animal manure every other year to help suppress weeds and maintain the soil's moisture retentiveness, but in alternate years mulch with pine straw or bark to help maintain the slightly acidic pH that Raspberries prefer. Raspberry's spread by sending out suckers; these will need to be pulled up annually to keep the plant in the desired space. Thinning canes in summer to approximately 10 cm (4") apart will help to boost fruit production. Summer and autumn fruiting varieties have slightly different pruning times, with autumn fruiting canes being completely cut back in early spring. Summer fruiting canes that have finished fruiting need to be removed from the plant's base at soil level. Leaving this years growth to be next years fruiting canes.