When should I plant raspberry canes?

November to March in the dormant season — bare-root canes are cheaper, establish better, and arrive by post when the season is right. Pot-grown canes can be planted year-round but they're more expensive and don't catch up to bare-root by the following summer.

What's the difference between summer-fruiting and autumn-fruiting raspberries?

Summer-fruiting fruit on canes that grew last year (biennial canes); harvest June–July; bigger fruit, classic flavour; prune by cutting fruited canes after harvest. Autumn-fruiting fruit on canes that grew this year (annual canes); harvest August–October; smaller fruit but a longer picking season; prune by cutting everything to the ground in February. Autumn types are easier to manage.

How do I prune raspberries?

Depends on type. Summer-fruiting: after harvest, cut fruited canes (look brown and woody) to ground level; tie new green canes to the wires for next year. Autumn-fruiting: in February, cut all canes to ground level — the plant pushes up fresh canes that fruit the same year. Confusion is the commonest reason for poor crops; identify your variety before pruning.

My raspberries are spreading everywhere — how do I control them?

Raspberries spread by underground suckers and can become invasive. Bury a barrier (sunk paving slabs or pond liner) around the row 30 cm deep to stop lateral spread. Dig out unwanted suckers regularly through summer. Containers work for autumn-fruiting types (40-litre pots) but limit yield.

How long do raspberry plants last?

10–12 years from a single planting if well-mulched and properly pruned. After that, productivity drops and viruses build up; replace by buying new certified canes (don't transplant your own — virus carries over).

How do I store a glut of raspberries?

Freeze flat on a tray (single layer, no contact), then bag once frozen — they keep separate. Use within 12 months. Jam and freezing are the two main paths; raspberry vinegar is a delicate alternative. Fresh raspberries last 2–3 days in the fridge if dry; never wash until you eat them.

Himbeere

Rubus idaeus

Pflanzen Sie Himbeerstangen von November bis März in der Ruhephase – Stangen mit nackten Wurzeln sind günstiger als Topfpflanzen und wurzeln besser an. Himbeeren sind sehr winterhart (RHS H6) und kommen gut mit britischen Wintern zurecht. Pflanzen Sie sie im Abstand von 45 cm in Reihen mit 1,8 m Abstand in feuchten, fruchtbaren, leicht sauren Boden an einem Standort in voller Sonne oder im leichten Halbschatten. Sommerfruchtende Sorten (Glen Ample, Tulameen) tragen an den Trieben des Vorjahres – binden Sie neue Triebe an, sobald sie erscheinen. Herbstfruchtende Sorten (Autumn Bliss, Polka) tragen an den diesjährigen Trieben – schneiden Sie im Februar alles bis zum Boden zurück. Ab Juni mit einem Netz gegen Vögel schützen. Beide Sorten tragen 10–12 Jahre lang reichlich Früchte nach einmaliger Pflanzung; die am einfachsten anzubauende Beerenobstart in Großbritannien.

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