How To Prune Raspberries And Blackberries

Step 1: You will need

Step 2: Cut back

For autumn-fruiting raspberries, all the canes should be cut back to the ground once they have fruited. For summer-fruiting varieties, old canes should be cut back once they have fruited and some new shoots should be left to grow. Look for canes with darker stems and dying leaves. These should be cut back to about 5 centimetres above the ground. Leave the lighter green shoots that haven't flowered.

Step 3: Tie in

Support the remaining canes by tying them to a wire fence. Use twine and wrap it around in a figure of 8 so the plant doesn't rub against the wire. You may need to add more ties as the shoots grow.

This process will strengthen the new shoots which won't need pruning again until the following year.