Vigorous and easy to grow, autumn fruiting raspberries look after themselves once established, and just need regular pruning to stop them from spreading.

When to plant: Autumn.

At their best: Early to mid-autumn.

Time to complete: 2 hours.

You will need: Raspberry canes, well-rotted organic matter – such as manure, spade, mulch, stakes and thick wire.

Select site and plant

Raspberries prefer a moist soil and grow in sun or partial shade. Dig in plenty of organic matter and plant canes in a row. Water well and apply a mulch.

Support and train

Cut the canes to the ground after planting. They can grow quite unwieldy in summer and it is important to provide a strong support. Hammer two sturdy wooden stakes into the ground and string thick wires between them at 24 in (60 cm) intervals. Tie in the stems.

Routine care

During the first year after planting, pinch off any fruits that form, to allow the plant to concentrate its energies on root growth. Then, each year after fruiting, cut the fruited canes to the ground. Tie new canes to the support—these will produce fruit the following year.