[Cheshire Phill]

I've just got onto my first allotment, lots to do!!!

But there are some old raspberry canes, which I know gave raspberries during 2008, because the next-door plot holder told me he had been enjoying them.

Question, do I cut them back to 6" or so and hope for the best? Clearly I don't know what type they are (guess they're summer fruiting) or how old they are...

Thanks for some suggestions/knowledge, others here I got with the secateurs anyway...  

Happy Christmas!!

Phill

[DD.]

If you're certain they are summer fruiting do NOT cut them all back. or you'll have no fruit next year.

There should be some that look dead, maybe with a old shrivelled raspberry or two. Cut them out, but leave the new growth, as that's what you'll get next year's raspberries on.

Autumn fruiting ones can be cut down to a couple of inches. Some do it February, I do it when I've got the chance, so they are already done.

If you're uncertain, leave them alone & see when they fruit.

[woodburner]

I've heard (well either seen on telly or read actually ) that it's not the end of the world if you do cut summer fruiting canes down, you will still get some fruit but it will be late. It was said or suggested that you could cut some of your summer fruiting plants right down to extend the season rather than getting autumn fruiting canes.
I've ordered Parkers 3x6 types of rasps so I doubt that I'll actually be trying it myself.