Can You Revive Raspberry Plants After They’ve Been Neglected For…
De De Asked
Can you revive raspberry plants after they’ve been neglected for years?
The Gardener’s Answer
Hello, De De in Minnesota: Raspberries are a tasty treat to have in the home garden. They do have specific growing requirements for optimal production and will gradually reduce harvest quantities if not properly cared for. As long as the plants are not diseased, the good news is that even after years of neglect you can revitalize your plants and encourage them to fruit. There are two main groups of raspberries, ones that fruit once per season and others that are ever-bearing; these fruit once in the summer and again in the fall. Pruning practices differ for each kind so it would be helpful if you knew what you were growing. Raspberries are woody perennials that produce biennial canes and fruit on the canes produced the previous growing season. These canes will only fruit once and then they should be removed. Neglected plants should be pruned back to the ground to encourage new growth. This seems drastic but it is the only way to rejuvenate your plants. Diseases over-winter in old canes so it is important to remove all canes and dispose of them. Like all plants, raspberries are more susceptible to insect and disease problems if not given optimal growing conditions. These brambles thrive in full sun and nutrient-rich, well-drained soil. Good air circulation is also important. If you have not had your soil tested recently this would be a good idea. The results will indicate if you need to amend the soil. This can be done through your County Cooperative Extension Service. For more detailed information on growing raspberries in Minnesota you can visit www.extension.umn.edu/distribution/horticulture/DG1108.html.
