Rapant Ferral Raspberries

[Effigy]

On my new allotment there are what I thought were brambles....well it transpires that they are raspberries

What should I do with them (the plants not the fruit ). They have all the characteristics of wild blackberries but are loaded down with fruit. Should they be tied up, cut back, cut down, ripped out.....?

Any help/tips/advice please?

[lynda66]

can you not cut them back, then train them to climb something for next year? seems a pity to get rid of them if they are healthy and fruiting

[Two_Sheds]

Well, they're summer raspberries, if they're fruiting now.

Summer fruiting raspberries will require support during the growing season. Put the support poles and wires in place after digging, but before planting. Secure two 2.2m (7ft) poles in the ground at either end of the row. Tie two or three horizontal wires at 60cm (2ft) intervals to the poles. Tie the plants loosely to the wires when they begin to grow.

Place the plants in the trench about 45cm (18in) apart, and cover the roots with soil 5cm (2in) above the existing soil mark on the stem. This will encourage more vigorous rooting. Work a handful of bonemeal per square metre (3ft) into the surface of the soil. Firm down the soil by lightly treading it down and water if the soil is not moist. How to plant raspberries with pictures - page 2