[muckyboots]

HI,do raspberries have a lifespan,Ive had my Joan J for about 12 years and have been great, but seem to be not fruiting as well these last 2 years.Is it time to renew,or replant with some of the runners.Or can anyone recommend a new late to replace them with .

[Goosegirl]

You could re-plant with runners as long as they're looking healthy. Having said that, perhaps dig them all out and incorporate some fresh soil and compost, grit (if needed) then get some new ones. There is a replacement for Joan J but I can't remember what it is, but someone on here will. 

[mumofstig]

Have they had a really good feed and mulch lately, or have you just left them to it?

[Christine]

My raspberry canes did look a bit aged about three years back. I had potted up some 40 runners in black plastic tubs of the size you get small shrubs and things in from the garden centres and which breed in garden  corners over the years using decent compost. Dug out the old canes (and don't anyone tell you that raspberry canes are shallow rooted and don't go far  ) which went for the bonfire. Dug in decent compost and fertiliser before filling up the bed in the autumn. The only cost was labour and some compost.

[muckyboots]

Hi thanks for replying ,I have fed them but not mulched them mum .I think I'll try and dig out and replant some of the runners as christine did ,I have 2 rows so one  row at a time to see what happens, I have plenty of runners so a good chance of success and mulch and feed the other one.Cheers all.