Raspberries in Brighton
Rubus idaeus
A hardy cane fruit for UK gardens, best grown in a sunny, sheltered spot with fertile, moisture-retentive soil. Plant bare-root canes while dormant, keep them well watered in the first season, mulch each spring, and tie in new growth so the plants stay productive.
Growing Guide
Step-by-step instructions for growing Raspberry
Planting Calendar
Growing Guide for
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Grow these in the ground or large containers in a sunny, sheltered spot. They fruit on canes made the previous year, so the first crop comes after establishment.
Plant Bare-Root Canes
25 Dec – 4 MayPlant bare-root canes from 25th December to 4th May in well-dug, fertile soil. Set them at the same depth they were growing before, water in thoroughly straight away, and keep the soil evenly moist. Container-grown plants can be planted at other times if the ground is workable.
Water To Establish
27 Feb – 13 MayFrom 27th February, water newly planted canes regularly through dry spells so roots spread well. Start once growth resumes in spring, then give a deep soak during dry weather rather than frequent light watering.
Feed And Mulch
29 Dec – 28 Janevery 365 daysTop-dress from 29th December with compost or well-rotted manure, then apply a balanced feed if growth looks weak. Repeat every 365 days while the plants are in active growth.
Net Against Birds
19 Mar – 29 MarPut netting in place from 19th March before the berries start to colour. Support the net well so birds cannot get under it, and check access for picking.
Harvest Ripe Fruit
8 Apr – 13 MayPick from 8th April to 13th May as soon as the berries are fully coloured and come away easily. Harvest every couple of days in dry weather, and use shallow containers so the fruit does not squash.
Remove Fructified Canes
15 May – 12 JunAfter harvest, from 15th May cut out the canes that fruited this year at ground level and tie in the strongest new shoots. Leave this season's replacement canes in place for next year's crop and keep the row tidy.
Companion Plants
Tap a plant to see why it works (or doesn't) with Raspberry.
Good companions
Plants to avoid
Why companion planting matters
Companion planting can deter pests, improve pollination, and make better use of space. Some plants confuse pests or attract beneficial insects; others improve soil or offer shade to neighbours that need it.
Suggested Varieties
Popular varieties of Raspberry to consider
Glen Ample
A widely grown summer-fruiting raspberry with large, good-flavoured berries and strong yields.
Malling Jewel
An early summer-fruiting variety that crops well in UK gardens and is often grown for reliable flavour.
Autumn Bliss
A classic autumn-fruiting raspberry with easy-picking fruit and a long cropping season.
Polka
A productive autumn-fruiting variety that gives good-quality berries over a long picking period.
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