Raspberry Canes
This morning, I've just been weeding the raspberry patch. Not that the
raspberries thanked me. In fact, they managed to hook themselves into
my clothes and skin with great delight. I guess that's what raspberries
do for fun.
Raspberries are one of my favourite fruits, and I have been growing
them for a few years now. Unfortunately, the birds usually beat me to
the fruit, so last year some of the raspberry canes were moved into an
area I can put bird wire over.
There will also be strawberries and redcurrants in the
protected area. Hopefully, now I'll manage to get some fruit from these plants.
Raspberry canes fruit on the new growth each year, then the old
cane dies off. If you grow them, you'll need to cut out the old canes
each Autumn, when they have finished fruiting. You can also prune the
new growth at about 1.5 to 2 metres, which will encourage the canes to
produce new growth and increase your crop.
Rasberries need well drained soil, and really love lots of mulch, such
as manure and compost. Don't let weeds grow in your raspberry patch, as
they'll steal the nutrients from your plants, and you won't get as much
fruit.
Rasberry canes like sun, so it's best to plant them where they'll get
some. In Summer, they may appreciated some shade cloth, and plenty of
water.
