This morning Lucy the puggle dog and I went out to the raspberry patch to do a little weeding.
Every year around this time, new raspberry growth starts popping up between the rows and I have to get out there and do some serious weeding before the new canes begin to take over the paths.
In 2011 we had a bumper crop of raspberries, but last year was just so-so. I think it may have had something to do with me tossing a boatload of Tagro at the base of the canes but who knows, maybe it was just an off year. Fingers crossed this year will be better.
That is, as long as I can keep Lucy from turning the raspberry canes in to little nubs of nothingness.
I’m beginning to think pets and gardening are not such a good idea after all. Or maybe it’s just puppies and gardening that don’t mix.
Neat and tidy rows. Just the way I like it.
Are YOU growing raspberries this year? If so, do you know what variety?
We are growing Cascade Delight raspberries and they are da’ bomb! If you are local and you’d like to buy some, you can find them at Spooner Farms in Puyallup, Washington.
~Mavis
Thinking about planting raspberry canes this year? Check out my How to Plant Raspberrie Canes Guide
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Diane M. says
I have the most awesomely delicious, plump and juicy, HUGE raspberries growing in my garden. They are reliable and bear generously every year, though they’re not terribly vigorous (don’t send out as many offshoot canes as others I’ve seen) (which means they don’t take over the yard). It’s a heritage variety called Ex-Husband’s Back Yard — it had been planted there before he bought the house. He very kindly shared some canes even after we were divorced. Nice guy, still a friend.
Laurel says
Leaf buds are just starting to show on my canes. Can’t wait till the leaf out and the new shoots begin growing. I am hoping to dig another trench and start a second patch. I love my red raspberries and black raspberries!
Andrea says
We are renting a house that has a huge overgrown raspberry patch. We got a so-so crop last year, but I decided to pure it down this spring. Fingers crossed that I’m not cutting back too much. Oh, and my OCD personality is very jealous of your straight lines, I have a jungle:)
Erika says
I have two big pots with raspberry canes in them – I think they’re Caroline raspberries (I ordered them online a couple years ago and wanted a variety that could tolerate the heat of southern AZ). I’d love to put them in the ground and let them spread, but can’t do that where we live. We got a whole bunch of berries last summer – a handful or two every day it seemed (not bad for only two plants, but never enough to really do anything with other than snack on, which the kids did enjoy!). I’m hoping for another good year from them. They’re already leafing out and looking a lot like yours right now.
Erin M says
Growing Tulameen and Fall Gold. Fall Gold is beyond delicious!!!
suzanne says
Lucy is just going through a pup stage. Gardens come and go with the seasons, pups only have you their whole lifetime. She’s one of the few lucky ones and your doing a fantastic job. I just put hurdles around the most valuable beds, very English! Berry pruning is an art!
Diane says
Lucy is a lucky girl to have you and your family. I can’t wait until your berries come in, to see if Lucy will pick the low berries for her own self. I had cocker spanials growing up and it was a trip to watch them go pick berries. Their noses led them to just the right berry to nimbly pluck with their lips as quick as you please. My two munchkins now are real garden dogs. They keep me company and know not to help themselves. Of course they also know I’ll share with them. Who knew that dogs could become su eclectic veggie eaters.
Diane says
Sorry folks, my keyboard froze. Above should read “such eclectic veggie eaters”.
Cheers!
Sheila Smith says
Unknown brand. Wandered over to my yard from the neighbors. I have neighborhood rabbits who do the fertilizing. 🙂 I cut out the old canes and cut all the tops chest high. Get quarts and quarts and eat them every day. Unfortunately after last nights almost foot of snow they are buried once again.
sandi says
do you think trimming them to chest high makes them produce more?
Mavis says
That is a good question. I usually try and keep mine under 6 feet. I’ll have to ask my friend and see what she says.
Heidi says
We are putting in cascade delight canes this year. Hopefully any day now. Trying to get my husband to help me with installing the posts. Tough job in our rocky soil. Maybe I should rent an auger? I had a dump truck full of compost delivered and the canes are here 🙂 So excited to have raspberries of our own.
Also, my mom is giving us marionberry canes. Hoping I can keep up on the future pruning.
Judy N. says
Cane beds look great! Don’t worry about Lucy..she will make a great Dog..She is doing what puppies do, like toddlers..pushing her boundaries, tasting new stuff and cutting teeth..Not to worry..just a little guidance on your part and she will make a wonderful Garden Dog!! mine does and she follows me EVERYWHERE in the garden..LOL
Happy Gardening!!
Ursula says
We bought a berry patch last fall and the cutest little house came with it! Not sure which variety but its doing very well. Your post about thinning is timely since i was wonderingwhat to do with the new starts popping up. I’m so excited for my red currants and thornless loganberry & blackberry too- I’m going to use all to make Summer Pudding and Rote Grutze! Drool~
Gwen says
Is that wire you string in between your garden posts to hold the raspberries up? If so, what gauge wire? Do you think this system works well for you? I am seeing lots of different ways of keeping the berry cane up right. Would love to know your thoughts. Thanks.