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Raspberries

PinkheartPinkheart Posts: 61
in Fruit & veg

Please can someboby help me?! I'm desperate to grow my own raspberries but, to date, every single one of the 11 plants I've planted have died! I've tried different varieties/ places/ sellers but NOTHING happens, they just don't grow....or live! It's driving me spare. I've now been given some bushes, dug up by a friend, and would dearly love some help ( They arrive next weekend, along with 2 gooseberry bushes).

My garden is south facing but gets shaded on east & west in morning & evening by next doors high fences. Any tips?

Thank you!

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Posts

  • DovefromaboveDovefromabove Posts: 82,740

    Is your soil acid or alkali?  If it's acid that may be why raspberries don't do well. image

    “I am not lost, for I know where I am. But however, where I am may be lost.” Winnie the Pooh







  • FarmergeddunFarmergeddun Posts: 229

    I have raspberries that have jumped into my blueberry bed, they are loving it in there and that is extra acidic. I think they have iron defficiencies if grown in alkaline soil.  Try not to put them in if the ground is too soggy and pick the spot that has as much sun as possible.  

    Be wary of what you wish for, they can be brutish - I'm contemplating getting rid of all of mine.

     

  • PinkheartPinkheart Posts: 61

    Hmmmmm!! I have no idea if it' s acid or alkali. I'm not a proper gardener.......my theory is if it grows it's meant to be there......probably explains my failure! I'm the only person in the world who only got 3 courgettes from 5 plants.....grown in pots! 

    3 of the rasps were 'grown' in large pots. The rest of the garden lovers roses, mock orange, kale, toms, cosmos, lavender etc etc.......would they indicate an acid or alkali soil? My strawbs grow everywhere....even out of the tamac-y path!

  • DovefromaboveDovefromabove Posts: 82,740

    Sorry - I got it the wrong way round image - Farmergeddun is right - raspberries prefer slightly acidic soil, but not as acidic as some fruits.  

    “I am not lost, for I know where I am. But however, where I am may be lost.” Winnie the Pooh







  • PinkheartPinkheart Posts: 61

    Will they grow in big pots?

     

  • WelshonionWelshonion Posts: 3,114

    Are you planting the raspberries too deep?  They don't like that.

  • DovefromaboveDovefromabove Posts: 82,740

    Raspberries also need plenty of water.   You can grow them successfully in pots, but giving them enough water is essential.

    “I am not lost, for I know where I am. But however, where I am may be lost.” Winnie the Pooh







  • Billy GoatBilly Goat Posts: 51

    As everyone says above they like slighty acidic soil,they need to be planted just below the surface, and they like regular watering when the fruits begin to appear.  They don't like water logged soil, so try to make sure they are sited in free draining soil.  Lastly give them a good mulch  and when using manure keep it away from the stems.

    Remember they are essentially brambles.  I suspect they are in an area which is too wet

  • PinkheartPinkheart Posts: 61

    I've tried 5 different areas of the garden incl. pots........did everything you said with the pots but still nothing. Read up on growing them, RHS site etc......did everything the advice said........but no! twas not to be!! garden seems pretty well draining, never waterlogged. Like you say, they're brambles......most people get over run, for Pete's sake........what's wrong with me?!

  • GillyLGillyL Posts: 1,077

    Try looking at the RHS site on growing raspberries,it may give you some ideas on what is going wrong.It cover soil prep /growing in pots,and choosing the right type of raspberrycanes..

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