How to grow Raspberry (Yellow/Gold)
in the US

Yellow raspberries, or gold ones, are a proper treat, aren't they? A bit different from the usual reds, they're super sweet and really easy to grow on your plot. They add a bit of sunshine, even on a cloudy day, and give you loads of fruit.

Sowing

Raspberries are usually started from bare root canes or potted plants, not seeds, you know. Plant them when the ground is workable, often in early spring after the last frost or in the fall before the ground freezes. For warmer zones, like USDA 8-10, you might even get them in earlier, from January to March, or later in the fall. For cooler zones, say 3-7, April and May are usually spot on. Dig a trench about 10-12 inches (25-30 cm) deep, spread the roots, and cover with soil, making sure the crown is just below the surface. Space them about 2-3 feet (60-90 cm) apart in rows.

Growing on

Once you've got your canes in the ground, they need a bit of support, mind. A simple trellis or a couple of wires strung between posts works a treat, keeping them upright and making picking easier. Give 'em some room to breathe, about 2 to 3 feet (60-90 cm) between plants, like I said, and if you're doing rows, leave a good 6 to 8 feet (1.8 to 2.4 m) between them. They can be grown in large containers too, if you're short on space, just make sure they've got good drainage.

Looking after it

Raspberries love a good drink, especially when they're fruiting, so keep the soil consistently moist. A layer of mulch, like wood chips or straw, around the base helps hold that moisture in and keeps the weeds down, which is a proper bonus. Feed them in early spring with a balanced fertilizer to give 'em a good start. Pruning is important too, but that's a job for later, once they've done their thing.

What goes wrong

You'll want to watch out for a few common garden nuisances. Raspberry beetles and aphids can be a bother, as can cane borers and Japanese beetles. Keeping an eye out is half the battle, like. Planting companion plants like garlic, chives, or marigolds nearby can sometimes help deter them. Just pick off any bugs you see, or give them a blast with the hose.

Harvest

You'll be picking these beauties from June right through to October, depending on your zone and the variety. They're ready when they come off the cane easily with a gentle tug and feel soft and juicy. Try not to squish them, mind. They don't keep long, so eat 'em fresh or pop 'em in the fridge for a day or two. If you get a proper glut, they freeze brilliantly for later.