getting a double crop from Autumn Bliss raspberries

[bigpepperplant]

I pruned only half my Autumn Bliss canes back this February with the result that I got raspberries this year all the way from June to now. So far so good.

I'd like to do the same this coming winter. Only thing is, how do I know what canes to cut back to the ground next February? Ie, how can I tell the difference between the new canes which grew up this year and the ones from last year because I'm assuming I won't want to be left only with the old canes? Or maybe it doesn't matter? Sorry if this sounds complicated! Any advice gratefully received!

[richard p]

the old ones should be more woody (harder , browner)than the new ones. or you could just cut down half the row, then the other end next year

[oldherbaceous]

Dear Bigpepperplant, i have been doing this now for a couple of years on someone elses canes.
On the second year half the canes just looked a lot healthier than the others, so these were left and the others cut down.
They have cropped very well so i must be getting it about right.

Keep it as simple as possible, thats me.

[bigpepperplant]

thanks everyone!

[Geoff]

Have I misunderstood something here. Why don't you just completely cut down half the row one February and the other half the next year?

[oldherbaceous]

Dear Geoff, it would be simpler to just cut one half a row down, but i found if you thin half of them out of the complete row, you can leave the strongest ones.

[richard p]

depends on the time available, the hedge cutter whips off half a row in a jiffy

[oldherbaceous]

Dear Richard, you certainly have a good point there.

[Marge]

My raspberries have hardly fruited at all

It is their first summer (if you can call it a summer! ), and I think because of the lack of sun there has been a lack of fruit.

I demand a recount! *hands on hips*