How to grow raspberries in a raised bed

Few things beat a warm raspberry straight from the cane. A raised bed keeps these enthusiastic spreaders in bounds and gives their roots the rich, free-draining soil they love.

Quick facts

• Position: full sun to part shade
• Spacing: 40–50 cm apart
• Tub depth: our 41 cm depth
• Time to harvest: fruit from year 1–2
• Support: wires or a frame for the canes

When to plant: Plant canes in winter while dormant. Choose a low-chill variety for warm areas. Know whether yours are summer- or autumn-fruiting, as that changes how you prune. Our free planting calendar shows the right months for your postcode.

Growing it in a raised bed: Plant into rich, free-draining mix and set up wires or a frame to tie the canes to. A raised bed helps corral their spreading roots. Prune out the old fruited canes each year to make way for the new.

Watering and feeding: Keep the mix evenly moist, especially as the fruit swells; mulch well and feed in spring.

Common pests: keep an eye out for aphids and two-spotted mite. Most are easily managed — see our safe pest guide.

Common diseases: the main ones are rust and powdery mildew. Good airflow, morning watering and steady moisture prevent most.

Companion plants: Give them a bed of their own with support; keep them away from potatoes and tomatoes. See our companion planting guide.

Harvest and storage: Pick when the berries pull away cleanly from the core, leaving the plug behind — that's perfectly ripe. They don't keep, so eat or freeze them quickly.

More growing guides: blueberries, strawberries and cape gooseberries.

Plan your patch: our free planting calendar shows what to plant now where you live. Ready to grow? Browse our raised garden beds or build your own with the garden bed builder.

Image: Photo by David J. Stang, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons.