Raspberries (summer) which didn't do anything last year - leave them or start again?

[Russel Sprout]

Hi all

I planted some bare root raspberries last year (summer type) and they didn't really do much. In fact, they did nothing! As spring approaches, a couple of them have now started to show a little sign of life but the others are still showing nothing. I've planted them in two separate areas. So here are some photos showing the plant with a bit of life and the ones with nothing...

Area ONE:





Area TWO:





I'm a berry beginner so please excuse my questions if they have obvious answers But what I wanted to know is whether I should leave them all to see what happens this year **OR** take out just the ones that have done nothing **OR** take them all out and start again. I've no idea how they should look after a year. I know they do not fruit in year one, but should they have at least done something (or something more than the ones that have done "something")? Any opinions and advice would be most appreciated.

Ta

Max

[fishpond]

They need drainage, they like to be moist but not soaking else they go rotten.
The body needs to be planted no more than 3" deep and the roots spread out.
They need fertile, fairly neutral ph soil.
Also depends where you got them from.
In answering your question-
I would leave the sprouting ones alone(see 1).( hope they produce canes this year for next year)
Pull up--gently dig up, an unsprouted one and see if there are any signs of life, also rub a finger nail on the stem and see if it is showing green beneath the outer layer---(1)if there are signs of life, consider gently removing all of them all and sorting out the ground.
If there is no sign of life replace the dead ones after sorting out the ground, and buy from a reputable supplier.
Sadly, no home grown Summer Raspberries for you this year.

[MarkPelican]

I agree with fishpond, try scraping the stem and see if there's any life.

I know this isn't the question you asked but, I've just dug up all my summer raspberries because they have become overgrown with couch grass and they have never done as well as the autumn fruited. My Autumn Fruited (Polka) give enough fruit to need picking every other day until November and to supply us with frozen fruit though until just now (we've just eaten the last lot). If you have to replant them, I would recommend Autumn Fruited raspberries every time.

[vixylix]

I struggle with fruit all round so I feel your pain!

I got some raspberry canes from Marshalls late 2015 - I planted them and only one of them (interestingly the autumn ones Mark) did anything - I complained to Marshalls late last year and they kindly sent me replacements. So far only two out of six are showing signs of life but I am keeping everything crossed.

Raspberries are allegedly indestructible, however I guess if they arrive already destroyed there's not much you can do!