Growing raspberries: Location, cultivation & neighbors
The raspberry: A rose plant
The raspberry (Rubus idaeus) belongs to the rose family (Rosaceae) and is therefore related not only to blackberries, currants, blueberries and strawberries, but also to many fruit trees such as apple, pear and cherry.
Planting raspberries
Plant new raspberry bushes best in the fall from October or in the spring from March. Set the plants with a distance of 40 - 50 cm, so that they have enough space. The planting hole should be about twice the size of the root ball. Then mix the excavated soil 1:1 with compost and place the root ball in the soil so that the base buds are covered with about 5 cm of soil.
The best location for raspberries
Raspberries prefer a sunny to semi-shady location, preferably protected from the wind. The soil here should be nice and loose and rich in humus. Since raspberries originally come from the forest, they feel most comfortable with a slightly acidic soil pH of 5.5 - 6.
Caring for your raspberry bushes
Mulch your raspberry bushes with lawn clippings, straw or bark mulch and ensure a steady water supply. Twice a year, you can replenish nutrients with compost, horn shavings and rock dust. Be careful not to over-fertilize your raspberries with nitrogen-heavy fertilizers.
Pruning raspberries in autumn/fall
Summer raspberries already form canes for the next season in the previous year and are only thinned out. Remove only old, weak shoots and cut back canes that are too long. In contrast, autumn raspberries are cut back completely during autumn pruning.