Rubus occidentalis 'Black Jewel'

Spring - late · Outdoors

Feed with slow release fertiliser

Apply a general purpose slow release fertiliser, spreading it around the root area of the plant as it is coming into growth. (Or apply a liquid feed at regular intervals throughout the growing season.)

This is a simple way to provide a nutrient boost as a single annual procedure.

Spring-Autumn · Outdoors

Water to keep the soil moist

For best results, this plant needs soil that is always moist. Water deeply and regularly as soon as soil appears dry. Even for established plants in the ground, a dry week can cause problems with some soils. Check plants in pots more often, especially in hot weather. Or install an automatic irrigation system which will do the hard work for you, even when you are away on holiday.

Without regular watering some plants never fully regain their beauty.

Summer · Planting

Protect fruit from birds

If the plant is not grown in a fruit cage, protect it with a net to prevent birds eating the fruit.

Summer - late · Planting

Prune canes after harvesting

After the crop has finished, cut back canes that bore the fruit to ground level. This encourages new stems which will carry fruit the following summer to grow from the base. It also prevents congested growth.

Applies to summer fruiting raspberries, blackberries, tayberries, loganberries, honeyberries

Winter - late · Planting

Support soft fruit canes

Install posts at the end of each row. Attach 3 lengths of wire horizontally between the posts, one wire at the top, middle and lower down. Tie the canes to the wire. When new canes grow in spring, tie to the support wire.

Applies to raspberries, blackberries, loganberries, tayberries

Outdoors

Water with rain water

This plant needs rain water or soft water (the minerals in alkaline or "hard" water are harmful). This is especially important for plants in pots.

Outdoor planting · Planting

Add root growth stimulant to the planting hole

Mycorrhizal fungi helps roots establish quickly, so they absorb water and nutrients more efficiently. It comes as a powder, granule or gel. Add to the planting hole or container, and to the plant's rootball before planting in the hole. For "bareroot" plants use a gel.