Fruits of ones labour
The strawberry may be classesed by some as the berry of summer but I belive
that the raspberry stays the coarse in season from the end of june till
november.
Raspberries are easy to grow, low-maintenance and rewarding. Considering their
price at the supermarket, they are also inexpensive.
The red raspberry or Rubus idaeus is
native of Asian Minor and North America. The first record notes an appreciation
for this fruit were the people of Troy, who used to gather them in the
foothills of Mt. Ida, at the time of Christ.
It’s believed that raspberries use to be only white in colour. The greek myth goes that one day, a nymph named Ida was taking care of an infant Zeus.
Zeus was crying and to help soothe him, Ida picked some white raspberries. But when she went to pick the raspberries, she scratched herself on a thorn and started to bleed. Her blood dripped on the white raspberries, instantly turning them red and they have been red ever since.
Raspberries contain significant amounts of polyphenol antioxidants such as anthocyanin pigments linked to potential health protection against several diseases.
Raspberries thrive in moisture-retentive, fertile, slightly acidic soils, which are well drained. Plant in a sheltered, sunny position; although they will tolerate part shade.
In early March apply slow-release general fertiliser, 1oz per sq yd, then mulch with well-rotted organic matter. To pep up leaf growth in early summer with dried poultry manure pellets 3oz per sq yd.
Keep raspberries well watered during dry periods.
Planting
Raspberries can be planted any time during the dormant season, between November and March, providing the soil is not frozen or waterlogged.
Raspberries are usually planted in rows and trained along a post and wire system
Before planting, dig in well-rotted organic matter per square yard into the soil and fork in.
- Plants
should be 18–24in apart, and if planting in rows, space the rows 1.8m
(6ft) apart, if possible running north to south, so that they do not shade
each other.
- Prune
the canes to within 25cm (10in) of the ground after planting.
Summer-fruiting raspberries
- Cut
back fruited canes to ground level after harvesting; leaving the new
growth to fruit next year.
- Select
the strongest young canes, around six to eight per plant, and tie them in
3–4in apart along the wire supports.
- Cut
back any surplus young stems to ground level.If you have fully prepped the
ground and cared for your raspberries the will have produced lots of new
growth so be selective and brave enough to cut out any surplus.
Autumn-fruiting raspberries
Cut back all the canes to ground level in February. Reduce the number of canes slightly in summer if they are very overcrowded.
Single fence with parallel wires
This system is well suited to autumn-fruiting raspberries, and increases yield in a small space for summer-fruiting raspberries. Tying in of canes is not necessary. Picking is more difficult, and there is a greater chance of fungal problems in the more crowded conditions.
General
care
Sow over wintering broad beans outside or under cloches
where the soil is well drained, or in pots in an unheated greenhouse in cold
districts.
Plant garlic cloves in modules inside a cold frame, or
outdoors in mild areas in its final position
Stake any Brussels sprouts stalks that look leggy and
vulnerable to wind rock.
Clean and store bamboo canes in the shed or other dry place
to ensure they're still in good condition for next year.
Dig over, incorporating well-rotted organic matter if
available and weed vacant areas of the vegetable plot.
Now is a good time to get ahead and prepare new asparagus
beds for planting up in the spring.
Order seed catalogues for next year, if you haven't
already done so.
Clear up fallen leaves - especially from lawns, ponds
and beds
Plant tulip bulbs for a spring display next year
Prune roses to prevent wind-rock
Put out bird food to encourage winter birds into the
garden
For more gardening go to http://earthgardencareanddesign.moonfruit.com/
http://dartmouthgarden.blogspot.com/
