Pruning raspberries

DATE

September 1, 2017

Raspberries fall into two main categories; those that fruit in the summer and those that fruit later on into autumn. They are treated very differently with regards to pruning.

Summer raspberries

These will have finished fruiting now and it should be easy to distinguish the old canes from the new ones. All the fruited canes will start to die and can be pruned right down to the ground. The new ones will have been getting in your way while picking the fruit and can now be tied in to their support. I usually cut the tops off to a sensible height but you can bend them over if space allows. Any that are weak, overcrowding or just coming up in a silly place should be removed.

Autumn raspberries

If you get it right, the autumn type should begin to fruit as the summer ones finish! They continue until the frosts set in which can be up to Christmas. They do not generally need tying in to a support as they are not as tall as the summer ones but it may be helpful for ease of picking. Pruning involves cutting all the fruited canes to the ground in February after which time new canes will emerge from the ground for fruiting later on that season and off we go again…

Potash

Raspberries need their potash in the same way as tomatoes to encourage fruiting. Ash from the wood burning stove is an excellent source and can be applied directly or put into the compost bin for later use.

Horticultural consultancy

I can spend half a day in your garden identifying your plants and teaching you how to look after them. Pruning is a skill that takes years to learn as each plant has a different requirement.

Cathie’s garden army

If you have lost control of your garden completely we are here to help! A qualified team of horticulturists can transform your garden in a day following a consultancy. Please ask for details. . Email cathiesgardeningschool@gmail.com, visit www.cathiesgardeningschool.co.uk and follow Cathie’s Gardening School on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.
Share

RELATED STORIES

MORE STORIES

thumbnail

Spire Thames Valley Hospital awarded gold for commitment to patient safety

The National Joint Registry (NJR) has awarded Spire Thames Valley Hospital with Gold Level status after successfully completing a national programme of local data audits.

READ MORE
thumbnail

GuilFest 2026: Sophie Ellis-Bextor and The Proclaimers to headline Guildford’s biggest summer festival

Seven stages, huge headline acts and entertainment for all ages will transform Stoke Park into Guildford’s biggest summer party when GuilFest returns this July 2026.

READ MORE
thumbnail

The Ivy Collection reveals special menu for Mother’s Day 2026

From breakfast to dinner, treat your mum – and mother-figures – to an exclusive set menu at The Ivy, with a complimentary box of chocolates and tulips to take home.

thumbnail

New family mystery trail launches at RHS Garden Wisley

Become a detective in Surrey this Easter with RHS Garden Wisley’s interactive trail for families – and help rescue the Easter Bunny.

thumbnail

Poets wanted: Celebrate Didcot’s routes in a beautiful illustrated book

Local artist Linda Benton invites you to write about personal routes, journeys and everyday discoveries with a beautiful new spring collection.