How to Grow Raspberries

Overview

Raspberries are one of the most productive soft fruits for home gardens, offering generous yields with relatively little effort. Summer-fruiting varieties produce berries on the previous year's canes in June and July, while autumn-fruiting types crop on the current year's growth from August to October. Growing both types extends the harvest season significantly.

Health Benefits

High in fibre and Vitamin C: Raspberries are one of the highest-fibre fruits, supporting healthy digestion, and are rich in Vitamin C for immune function and skin health.

Manganese and ellagic acid: A good source of manganese for metabolism and bone health, and rich in ellagic acid, a polyphenol antioxidant being studied for its potential protective properties.

Low glycaemic index: Despite their natural sweetness, raspberries have a low glycaemic index, meaning they may help maintain steady blood sugar levels, making them a guilt-free treat straight from the garden.

Soil Preparation

Raspberries prefer slightly acidic, well-drained but moisture-retentive soil with a pH of 6.0 to 6.5. Dig in plenty of well-rotted compost or manure before planting. They prefer a sheltered spot in sun or partial shade. Avoid sites where raspberries, strawberries, or potatoes have grown recently. Heavy clay should be improved with organic matter for better drainage.

Sowing & Planting

Plant bare-root canes from November to March, spacing 40-50cm apart in rows 1.8m apart. Cut summer-fruiting canes back to 25cm after planting. For summer varieties, erect a post-and-wire support system with wires at 60cm, 90cm, and 150cm. Autumn-fruiting types are shorter and may not need support. Mulch generously after planting.

Care & Maintenance

Water regularly during dry spells, especially when fruit is developing. Mulch annually in spring with well-rotted compost to retain moisture and suppress weeds. Feed with a balanced fertiliser in early spring. For summer-fruiting varieties, tie new canes to the wires as they grow. Prune summer varieties by cutting out fruited canes at ground level after harvest and tying in new ones. For autumn types, simply cut all canes to ground level in February.

Harvesting

Pick raspberries when they are deeply coloured and pull easily from the plug, leaving the core behind. Handle gently as they bruise very easily. Harvest every other day during the peak season. Eat fresh, freeze on trays before bagging, or make into jam. Raspberries do not keep well, so process or eat within a day of picking.

Common Problems

Raspberry beetle grubs cause small brown patches in the fruit. Use pheromone traps and spray with pyrethrum at dusk when flowers are pink.

Cane blight and spur blight cause dark patches on canes and reduced yields. Cut out and burn affected canes and maintain good air circulation.

Birds will strip the crop if plants are not netted. Erect a fruit cage or drape netting over the row, securing it at the base.

Companion Planting

Raspberries benefit from garlic planted nearby, which can help deter aphids and raspberry beetle. Raspberries have no widely recognised plants to avoid but should be given plenty of space to allow air circulation.