Raspberries in raised beds?

Dogmum · September 2021

I bought my first raspberry canes early this year and due to a house move, they have spent this year in tubs. There have fruit quite well but they are quite crammed in and it’s not been easy to always keep them watered well enough. As I have very heavy clay soil, I was thinking of building a raised bed to put them in for next year, but how deep would it need to be? And what would be the best time to transplant them, I think they are autumn fruiting as I’m still picking fruit now. Thanks.

Fairygirl · September 2021

Do you know the variety? That will help determine the pruning regime - which is quite important to have future success. I'd say they're probably summer fruiting as you say you're 'still' picking fruit, but that could be misleading

A raised bed will be fine, although it probably won't need to be very deep. The best solution though, is to improve your clay soil, to make it more viable in future. Well rotted manure improves the structure and if you apply some just now, that will make a big difference. You can still make your raised bed over the improved soil, but you'll need to top it up regularly as the level always drops. If you're making it from timber, line it with plastic to give it a longer lifespan.
Raspberries grow well in clay soil anyway, as it's usually very nutritious. It's just a case of making it a better growing medium for your plants, especially if you're in a very wet area

BobTheGardener · September 2021

As @Fairygirl says, variety is important when growing in large containers - some good advice here from a specialist fruit retailer I often use:

https://www.chrisbowers.co.uk/article/raspberries-in-containers-etc/

Blue Onion · September 2021

I have both summer and fall in a raised bed. The edges are 8 inches tall..so the soil is probably about 6 inches deep. I built the bed directly over the sod by laying down layers of cardboard, so did not improve the soil below. They grow great, and have been producing for eight years now from the original canes. The roots are fairly shallow, and I add layers of mulch and such in the spring and fall to feed the soil.

I worry your bunch are growing in a dense bundle. They are a bit easier if the canes are planted in a row. Easier to prune, pick, and tie to a support. Do plan on creating some supports with wire between to tie up the canes. It keeps them up when heavy with fruit, helps air circulate, and if they are summer fruiting - helps you organize what needs cut and what to keep.

Raspberries in raised beds?

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