[Growster...]

We've inherited about 5 yards by 1 yard of autumn raspberries, which weren't cut back last year, but which cropped anyway.

I've pruned them all down to the ground for this year's growth, and really need to tackle the grass (annual and couch), which is all over the place.

As they're dormant, is it OK to try a weed spray now? Digging the stuff out does muck the rasps roots more than somewhat

[gobs]

Weedkillers usually work better when plants are in growth.

On the other hand I learnt to be friends with couch grass throughout the years. No need to buy grazing rye. They break the soil up beautifully. I'd handweed. The roots too. Lift and replant. It could do with a spacing out by the sound of it, anyway. If they become over-crowded, productivity drops and diseases get in more easily.

[JayG]

Trouble is that glyphosate-based weedkillers (like Roundup) only work when the weeds are actively growing, whereas other formulations (like Pathclear) will kill everything, including the rasps (and are much more persistent in the soil.)

I think you should consider digging out the raspberries, remove the invading weed roots and replant, preferably in a new clean bed, or if necessary back in the old one when suitably cleared.

(Oh, nearly the same as gobs - that's a relief!) 

[gobs]

If I knew, I'd said something else. Hang on, I changed me mind... It doesn't work any better.

[sunshineband]

Raspberries are tough Growster. Thye will cope fine with being dug up and replanted, especially if they get a dollop of nicely rotted manure to settle them back in 

[Growster...]

This is all sound advice folks, many thanks!

I know they're in pretty thick, and may do the full hoiking out and transplanting process next year, when I'll have more time. I have no problem hand-weeding for the time being, at least!

They were very prolific last year, and were sending out runners all over the place! I gave loads away!

[stompy]

Glyphosate works "best" when the plants are actively growng.

I have aplied some to an area that was thick with grass around 2 weeks ago whilst the good weather was with us and the grass has begun to turn yellow, it just seems to take longer to get to the roots.

People on here have already said they've had to cut their grass as it has begun to grow already, give it a dose now and you'll find it will still kill the grass but as i said it takes longer  thats all