Like We Don't Have Enough To Do...

Chuck (CA) · May 11, 2009

Momma got inspired to grow a raspberry field. We no nothing about growing raspberries. We have a couple of acres doing nothing right now that"s on a gradual slope with good access to irrigation water. (In Northern California, we won"t see any more rain until November.)
What should we check for regarding soil condition, etc. Should we set up the vines similiar to grapes, or let them run along the ground? Any and all input will be greatly appreciated.

Tnaks,
Chuck

big fred · May 11, 2009

I'm far from expert, but had good luck with training them on a trellis in good sun. We're blessed with good moisture, also have acid soil.

Gerry....WI · May 12, 2009

Raspberries we have grow on canes not vines.

No need to use trellises as you will thin old canes to the ground each year

Patsdeere · May 12, 2009

We grow them in the SF bay area for our own consumption (by no means mass production). We have found that it is easiest to pick them when they are tied up. We just put string between poles and as they grow we convince them to grow around the springs. It makes it a lot easier to get up and down the rows when we go to pick them (and it leaves little red stripes on the yellow lab as she helps herself to the berries). They are very much worth the effort as you usually get 2 crops - one in early summer and then in mid fall.

J.C.in AZ. · May 12, 2009

Hi: the Raspberries we grew were not trained to a trellis but had their own support from the cane. Rows should be at least 5' if not more apart,running around the lay of the land to trap as much moisture as possible. The berries are about 85% water so moisture is important. Thin the old canes in the spring, Mulch with straw before winter and maintain this Mulch year around. Helps to keep weeds down and to conserve moisture.Consult your local USDA Soil Conservation for tips on soil prep etc. Pick your own is a big market with berries,with acreage you should consider it.JC

kopeck · May 12, 2009

(quoted from post at 18:58:39 05/11/09) Momma got inspired to grow a raspberry field. We no nothing about growing raspberries. We have a couple of acres doing nothing right now that"s on a gradual slope with good access to irrigation water. (In Northern California, we won"t see any more rain until November.)
What should we check for regarding soil condition, etc. Should we set up the vines similiar to grapes, or let them run along the ground? Any and all input will be greatly appreciated.

Tnaks,
Chuck

They're pretty easy to grow. Our's are in a row, try to keep the grass out, good sawdust mulch works pretty well.

Also, after a while they will start to want to expand...try not to let your rows get to wide, they become more and more difficult to take care of the wider the rows get.

After the winter you will have to go an cut out all the dead cains. Not a hard job but one you want gloves and log sleves for!

Like We Don't Have Enough To Do...

Chuck (CA)

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big fred

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Gerry....WI

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Patsdeere

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J.C.in AZ.

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kopeck

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