The Backyard

The Backyard

Thursday, February 9, 2012

Time to Cut Back Raspberry Canes

It's February - a late winter month that, in my opinion, marks the beginning of the growing season.  It's the month to start the early spring vegetables such as broccoli, cabbage, brussel sprouts and cauliflower indoors under lights.  It's the month to assure you have all your seeds for the summer if you haven't already done so.  It's the month to lay out your plan for the garden this spring - do you have enough room for everything?  And its the month to get out and trim up your grapes and raspberries.  Yes, raspberries are cut back to about 6 inches in late winter while dormant.  I'm not fussy in trying to find the canes that bore fruit last year and cutting just those; I cut them all, and have never had an issue with a lack of fruit bearing.  My raspberry crops are always plentiful unless there's a drought.   There's nearly always a warm sunny day to accomplish this chore in either January or February.  This past weekend gave Central Pennsylvania temps in the 50's and I took advantage of it and clipped the berry bushes.