How Do I Support Raspberry Canes So They Don't Fall Over?

Raspberry canes grown without support fall outward, cross over each other, shade out lower fruiting laterals and create a tangled row that is difficult to harvest and prone to disease from poor air circulation. A simple post and wire system is all that is needed — it is not complicated to install, takes an afternoon and will serve the row for many years without modification.

The basic post and wire system

Drive stout wooden or metal posts into the ground at each end of the row and every 2–3 metres in between. Posts should be at least 1.8 metres above ground for full-sized canes. Run two or three horizontal wires along the row: the lowest at about 60cm, the middle at 1.0–1.1m, and the top at 1.5–1.6m. Use heavy galvanised wire (2–2.5mm gauge) and strain it tight between the posts using eye bolts or straining devices at the end posts. This wire structure will support the tied canes and hold firm in wind.

How to tie the canes

Tie new canes individually to the wires as they grow, spacing them roughly 8–10cm apart. Avoid twisting canes around the wire — this makes them difficult to separate at pruning time and can damage the bark. Use soft garden twine or biodegradable ties. Tying canes upright and separated prevents shading and improves air movement through the row.

Minimum row width

Tie all canes into a narrow corridor no wider than 25–30cm. This maintains good airflow and makes harvesting from both sides easy. Canes that flop out beyond the wires on both sides have not been managed; drawing them back in and retying is better than leaving them sprawling.