One of the best things about having a fruit garden is grazing.  Early autumn grazing is about as good as life gets.  Big fat autumn raspberries and deep red juicy strawberries  mmmm.  A wander around the vege/fruit garden after work with the warm autumn sun on your back is an absolute joy.  The smell of ripeness in the air.  Warm raspberry scent.  Raspberry Aspiring is our favourite.   What’s the best cropping raspberry you’re growing?

Raspberries are upright canes and fruit on new seasons growth which originates from the previous years new canes that have emerged from the soil. Therefore in July, cut out all old canes which carried last seasons crop. These canes are distinguished from the one year canes which you want to retain, by their grey colour, and usually by this time are dry brittle wood. The canes to be retained tend to be light brown in colour and still very green and alive. These retained canes can then be shortened back to about two thirds their height.  Tying 4 – 5 canes together at the top is a common practice to help keep them upright when new growth starts in spring. The new canes for the following year’s crop will emerge and grow in late spring summer. They will require tying up for support. Suckers that emerge 20 cm or more away from the base should be removed.     If you need help on pruning your raspberries call in and see me at the Green Door or pick up one of our Berryfruit pruning guides next time you’re in.