Autumn fruiting raspberries are very versatile
because as well as pruning in the traditional manner in
February, you can also have an earlier crop in early summer if
you prune only the top 10 cm (6 in) from some of the canes.
These canes will give a much earlier crop but at the same time
allow the traditionally pruned canes to push through and crop in
autumn.
The plants need a ready supply of water to produce good fruits.
Depending on the soil type, watering throughout the summer on a
weekly basis may well be needed. All raspberries will appreciate
a layer of well rotted compost being applied to the soil in
February
each year. Because raspberry roots are very near the
surface, do not dig the compost into the soil, this will only damage
the roots. In the absence of compost, scatter a handful of bone
meal to each square metre (3ft).
Raspberry
Picking or Harvesting
Raspberries which have been picked do not store well at all -
they will only last a day or so. They are also easily damaged
during picking and in storage. The best solution is to pick them
on the day they are required and do not let them be crushed by
their own weight. The fruit does not all ripen at the same time,
so harvesting can take place over several weeks.
Raspberries freeze very well. Initially freeze
them spread out on a plate or dish to stop them all freezing
into a mass. When frozen they can be put in plastic bags or
containers and stored in the freezer for a couple of months.
