Raspberry Growing Instructions
Unpack straight away and, if not planting immediately place canes in a box or seed tray, surrounding the roots with moist peat. Keep somewhere cool and light.
Choose a sheltered site preferably in full sun, but partial shade is acceptable.
Raspberries will not thrive in dry or alkaline soils and will not tolerate ground that is prone to water logging.
Remove all perennial weeds before planting and dig in plenty of well-rotted manure. Plant canes 38 – 45 cm (15 – 18 inches) apart along a through 7.5 cm (3 inches) deep. Spread out the roots then backfill with soil. Prune canes down to a foot tall.
In the spring, new shoots will appear around the base, cut out original cane around mid summer and also remove any weak shoots and any growing more than 23 cm (9 inches) from the row.
The canes will need support, either by tying to a post or to wires strung between posts.
Apply a mulch of fertiliser each spring; if this is not available apply a dressing of fertiliser or bone meal and mulch with compost or leaf mould.
Before growth begins, prune canes to a healthy bud. Cut out canes after they have fruited at ground level and tie in new canes as they grow. Cut all the canes of autumn fruiting varieties down, at ground level in February.
