Raspberries are one of the most beloved berries among Ukrainian gardeners. Their sweet taste and health benefits make them a welcome crop in every garden. But to harvest abundantly, it’s essential to understand the growing process. In this article, Baltimore Chronicle’ll cover every stage in detail — from choosing the right variety to care and protection of the plants. It’s useful for both beginners and experienced gardeners.
Choosing Raspberry Varieties: What to Plant in Your Garden
The variety is the foundation of future yields. It determines not only the flavor of the berries but also resistance to diseases and weather conditions.
Main Types of Raspberry Varieties
- Summer varieties — bear fruit once per season (June–July).
- Ever-bearing (remontant) varieties — produce twice: in summer and fall.
- Large-fruited varieties — produce berries up to 10 grams.
- Thornless varieties — convenient for care and harvesting.
Popular Varieties in Ukraine
- Polka
- Hercules
- Carolina
- Yellow Giant
- Monomakh’s Cap
Ever-bearing varieties like Polka or Hercules are especially suitable for beginners as they are more disease-resistant and yield fruit in the first year after planting.
Preparing the Site and Planting Raspberries
Choosing the right location and preparing the soil is the key to a healthy raspberry patch.
Site Requirements
- Well-lit area protected from wind.
- Avoid lowlands with stagnant water.
- Do not plant after potatoes or tomatoes — risk of phytophthora contamination.
How to Prepare the Soil
- Loosen the soil to a depth of 30–40 cm.
- Add humus or compost (5–7 kg/m²).
- Add ash or superphosphate (up to 100 g/m²).
- For acidic soils — add dolomite flour.
Planting Scheme
- Distance between bushes — 50–70 cm.
- Between rows — 1.5–2 meters.
- Planting hole: 40×40×40 cm with fertile topsoil added.
After planting, water well and mulch with straw or sawdust.
Caring for Raspberries Throughout the Season
To get a generous harvest, consistent care is essential.
Watering
- Regular, especially during flowering and berry formation.
- Do not allow soil to dry out.
- Water early in the morning or in the evening.
Mulching
- Retains moisture in the soil.
- Protects roots from overheating.
- Reduces weed growth.
Fertilizing
| Season | Fertilizer | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Spring | Nitrogen (urea, manure) | Stimulates growth |
| Summer | Complex mineral fertilizer | Supports fruiting |
| Autumn | Potassium-phosphorus fertilizer | Prepares the plant for winter |
Apply fertilizers after rain or watering.
Raspberry Pruning and Shaping
Pruning is one of the most important care steps.
Types of Pruning
- Sanitary — removing dry or diseased shoots.
- Shaping — controls the number of canes in a bush.
- Autumn — cutting out old fruit-bearing canes.
For ever-bearing raspberries, you can cut all canes to ground level after harvest — this simplifies care and reduces disease risk.
Protection from Pests and Diseases
Raspberries are susceptible to insect and fungal damage.
Common Issues
- Spider mites
- Raspberry gall midge
- Powdery mildew
- Anthracnose
Prevention
- Regular pruning and removal of old canes.
- Mulching and weeding.
- Treatment with preparations like “Fitosporin” or “Aktara” as needed.
Organic alternatives include garlic, wood ash, or marigold infusions.
Wintering Raspberries
Proper preparation for winter keeps the plants safe until the next season.
Key Actions
- Prune excess canes.
- Mulch the root zone.
- Bend canes to the ground (especially in northern regions).
- Cover with agro-fiber if needed.
Cold-hardy varieties are less demanding, but young plants need extra protection.
Raspberry Propagation
Raspberries can be easily propagated even at home.
Propagation Methods
- Root suckers
- Cuttings
- Dividing the bush
The most common method is transplanting root suckers in spring or fall. Choose strong, healthy shoots at some distance from the main bush.
Common Mistakes by Beginners
Even an easy-to-care-for crop like raspberries requires attention.
Key Mistakes
- Planting in shade or swampy areas.
- Skipping regular summer watering.
- Planting too densely — promotes fungal diseases.
- Ignoring pruning.
- Over-fertilizing with nitrogen — leads to excessive vegetative growth.
Proper agricultural practices are the key to a healthy harvest.
Raspberries — a Berry for the Patient but Rewarded
Growing raspberries isn’t overly complicated, but it’s a systematic process. Success depends on following simple rules: choosing the right location and variety, regular care, and protection from diseases. With every year, your raspberry patch will improve, and the berries will become sweeter and more plentiful.
Earlier we wrote about when to plant strawberries in spring for a bountiful harvest.