Summer Raspberry Pruning Tips with Matt Lebon of The Foodscaper

Boost Your Berry Harvest and Keep Raspberry Plants in Check with Smart Summer Pruning

Pruning your raspberry plants in the summer might not be the first thing that comes to mind during harvest season — but according to Matt Lebon from The Foodscaper, it’s one of the best things you can do to keep your berry patch healthy, productive, and easy to manage.

In this helpful walk-through video, Matt joins the Stark Bro’s team to show exactly how to prune raspberry plants during the summer months, explain what to cut (and what not to), and share some pro tips for maximizing fruit production while keeping your patch tidy.

Why Summer Pruning for Raspberries Matters

Summer is when raspberry plants are actively growing — and for everbearing varieties, it’s also when they’re producing fruit. That makes it the perfect time to step in and manage overgrowth, remove spent canes, and train the new ones for the next season’s crop.

Proper summer pruning helps:

  • Improve airflow and reduce the risk of disease
  • Prevent overcrowding, which can reduce fruit quality
  • Encourage stronger growth for next year’s canes
  • Make harvesting easier by opening up the plant structure

Matt’s simple, straightforward pruning method shows how to identify and remove old floricanes (the canes that already fruited) while preserving healthy new primocanes that will bear future crops.

What to Look for When Pruning Raspberries in Summer

Matt breaks it down in the video, but here’s a quick recap of what to look for:

  • Floricanes are woody, brittle, and often brownish. These are the canes that produced berries earlier in the season. Once their job is done, remove them.
  • Primocanes are green, flexible, and actively growing. These are next year’s producers — keep them!

By selectively pruning out the old growth and making room for the new, you’re setting your raspberry patch up for long-term health and higher yields.

A Pro's Perspective on Fruit Growing

As the founder of The Foodscaper, Matt Lebon has helped countless home growers and edible landscape clients learn how to manage fruit crops in a practical, productive way. His approach is grounded in permaculture principles and everyday common sense — making this raspberry pruning guide perfect for gardeners of all experience levels.

Keep Your Berries in Top Shape

Raspberries can produce heavily for years with proper care — and summer pruning is one of the easiest ways to stay ahead of problems. Whether you grow your raspberries in rows, raised beds, or a small backyard patch, now’s a great time to give them a quick tidy-up and prepare for the next round of fruit.

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