🍇 Raspberry Planting Instructions

 

Raspberries are one of the most rewarding soft fruits to grow, producing generous crops of delicious berries year after year. They are ideal for gardens, allotments, and fruit-growing areas and are perfect for eating fresh, freezing, jams, and desserts.

 

🌱 Planting Position

Choose a sunny, sheltered site with fertile, moisture-retentive, well-drained soil. Raspberries perform best in full sun but will tolerate light shade.

 

📏 Planting Distance

  • Plants: 40–60cm (16–24 inches) apart
  • Rows: 1.8–2m (6–6.5ft) apart

 

Allow adequate spacing for good air circulation and easy access for harvesting and maintenance.

 

🌳 Planting

  1. Soak bare-root canes in water for 30 minutes before planting.
  2. Dig a hole or trench large enough to accommodate the roots comfortably.
  3. Plant so that the roots are well covered and the base of the cane sits just below soil level.
  4. Firm the soil gently around the roots.
  5. Water thoroughly after planting.
  6. Support canes with posts and wires where necessary.

 

💧 Watering

Water regularly during dry periods, particularly during the first growing season and while fruit is developing. Consistent moisture helps ensure larger, sweeter berries.

 

🌿 Feeding & Care

Apply a balanced fertiliser in spring and mulch annually with well-rotted compost or manure. Keep weeds under control and avoid damaging shallow roots when cultivating around plants.

 

🍇 Harvesting

Raspberries are typically ready to harvest from summer through to autumn, depending on the variety. Pick fruit when fully coloured and easily removed from the cane.

 

🌟 Top Tip

 

Pruning requirements vary between summer-fruiting and autumn-fruiting varieties. Regular pruning helps maintain healthy plants and ensures reliable crops year after year.

 

English’s Fruit Nursery Tip

 

Raspberries are one of the easiest and most productive soft fruits to grow, rewarding gardeners with abundant harvests and exceptional flavour.