Growing Raspberries for the very first time

Hi Great I can't give you any better advice than that which the RHS has on their website

http://apps.rhs.org.uk/advicesearch/profile.aspx?pid=148

Polka is one of the newer autumn fruiting varieties of raspberry I've never heard of temptation (well I have but not in relation to raspberry varieties) so can't help you there. The RHS advice will be the same regardless of variety though, so long as you know whether it is summer or autumn fruiting as the canes need different treatment.

Follow these instructions for your "temptations";

http://www.thegardenersalmanac.co.uk/Data/Raspberry/Raspberry.htm

I would say that it is not very good practice to grow raspberries in pots, although I am sure someone will say otherwise!

As I see it you will only get one plant per pot and bearing in mind that early varieties grow on second year canes which emanate from the roots (late varieties on new canes) the roots systems is going to get rather congested i.e. both the old and new canes are growing at the same time, as I see it they will soon outgrow the pot!

But then again; I have never ever grown them in pots so perhaps someone else who has tried this method will enlighten you better....Tg

I haven't grow in pots either Tg but RHS seems to think it is doable. Perhaps it is better with autumn fruiting canes but it will need to be a very large pot. When we acquired the new veg. garden area a few years ago we planted three rows of canes at advised distance between rows, it had been a while since we had grown them, and had to remove one of our rows as there was not enough room to pick them easily.

Thankyou TG

All I can add is to say to make sure the soil is not too compacted as the new canes come up from the soil and struggle in compacted soil. I also top dressed my autumn bliss raspberries with bone meal as am told that gives good fruit. Apart from that it is pleasant to wonder into your garden and find some lovely fruit.

Thank you Kindermorie. All advice has been most welcome

Thank you everyone. I bought Spring and Autumn varieties - couldnt figure out why Autumn ones hadnt appeared ! Will have a little rootle round and free up the soil.

When did you prune the autumn varieties Diane? Should be done early March time.