Changing Raspberry Bed

[darloboy]

Hi

A friend gave me some autumn rasps earlier this year, about 16 plants. I have had them in 3 rows, and about 10 of the plants have grown to around 1.5 metres and have fruited really well this year. The other 6 have only grown to about 40-50cm and not really done much by way of fruiting.

I was considering changing the bed around, moving the 10 good fruiters into 2 columns, and buying some new plants for a 3rd column when the season has finished (still fruiting at the moment).

But then I read that the best time to cut autumn rasps down is January, so not sure whether I can cut them down after the season has finished, move and replant, then cut them down again in January, or if this is a bad idea? I just figure it would be easier to replant when they were cut down rather than when they are 1.5 metres tall!!

Any help or thoughts would be great

Cheers
Craig

[JetSetPhil]

Autumn Rasps can be cut down as soon as they finish fruiting and it would be much easier to move them when they are cut down.

However for buying new plants I dont think you will have too. In the spring your current plants will send up new shoots through roots underground. Its very easy to lift these up along with a chunk of root and plant back down where ever you want. This will allow you to create your third row without having to spent a penny on plants!