Need some raspberry help please

[lainey lou]

Was down on the plot today cutting back my autumn rasps which were fab last year. Have been contemplating my summer rasps, which went in 3 years ago now and have never amounted to much despite following all the correct planting instructions, manuring, watering well etc etc.
The canes look pretty pathetic and are only 1-2 foot tall, don't think I'm going to get much of a crop off them this year either.
I'm thinking of cutting them right back and then manuring in the spring, give them lots of TLC and hope by forfitting this years crop they might put on a decent show next year. Does that sound like an OK course of action?

Thanks

[Kristen]

Not sure I would cut them back as I think that the leaf will be "fuelling" the growth of new shoots.

Something wrong if they are only growing 2' tall though ... virus perhaps?

(You are only cutting down the canes that carried fruit that year presumably?)

[Aberdeenplotter]

It's the difference in performance between your summer and autumn raspberries that is a bit puzzling. Are they in the same bit of the garden? If not, it could simply be a problem with the ground so testing the pH or acidity of your soil would be a good idea. The soil around your raspberry plants should have a pH of approximately 5.8 -6.5. i.e slightly acidic.

The general soil conditions around your summer canes may also be the cause of the problem. Raspberries require plenty of sun and water for optimal development. Moist conditions are essential but, wet and heavy soils or excess irrigation can cause phytophthora root rot and or and/or verticillium wilt.

Of course it could just be that the original stock of canes wasn't good.

If I were you, I'd consider trying to source some new certified stock from a reputable supplier and plant in a different part of the garden.

[Aberdeenplotter]

I should perhaps add that I have two rows of summer raspberry canes planted east to west. The southmost row has some gaps in it where plants have either died or become stunted so I've been doing my own delving to try to find the cause of my problems

[lainey lou]

The summer canes are planted in the same bed as the autumns so they have the same conditions.
There are no obvious signs of disease, they have just failed to thrieve.
Yes I have only been cutting back the canes that have fruited. I'm thinking if I cut back all the canes now, the plants won't waste energy fruiting this year and will hopefully develop some decent canes for next year. If not they're coming out and I'll put in some more rhubarb!

[Kristen]

Sorry, can't think what else it might be. Sounds like you have everything right. Perhaps if you say "Rhubarb" out of the corner of your mouth every time you walk past them they will buck up this year?

[gojiberry]

I had the same problem a couple of years ago with summer fruiting just not getting off the ground. I think this year is going to be alright and last year was an improvement. Try using a good deep mulch as it's what finally got mine going. I used a good 3in of leafmould and topped it up with grass clippings through the summer.

Ian

[Aberdeenplotter]

I had the same problem a couple of years ago with summer fruiting just not getting off the ground. I think this year is going to be alright and last year was an improvement. Try using a good deep mulch as it's what finally got mine going. I used a good 3in of leafmould and topped it up with grass clippings through the summer.

Ian

just don't mulch them now as you'll keep the cold in the ground. Wait till thinks warm up a smidgeon

[Two_Sheds]

I never had any success with summer rasps - they always got beetle (and maggots). My autumn ones are the biz though

[lainey lou]

Thanks for all your replies folks.