Step by step

Order dormant summer- and autumn-fruiting cultivars now, as bareroot canes for delivery late November to March

1 Unwrap canes

As soon as they arrive, unwrap and soak roots in a bucket of water for half an hour. Only plant if the soil is workable and not frozen; otherwise plant shallowly in a nursery bed or pot.

2 Plant canes

Space them 45-60cm (18-24in) apart in rows 1.8m (6ft) apart. Don’t bury too deeply – use the stem’s old soil mark to guide planting depth. Prune back each cane to 25cm (10in).

3 Water in

Finish by watering in and mulching around the canes with well-rotted organic matter. You’ll also need to water during dry spells in their first spring and summer.