How to Grow Raspberries in the Southwest Desert

Select a variety of raspberry that is can handle hot weather, including U.S. Department of Agriculture Plant Hardiness Zones 9 to 11. Some raspberries for hot climates are "Cumberland," "Blackhawk," "Fall Gold," "Tulameen," "Double Delight" and "Dorman Red."

Select a location for your raspberries. While they need full sun, they also need protection from the worst heat of the day. In the Southwest desert, plant raspberries on the north or east side of your home or a wall.

Amend your soil with compost. Add 6 to 8 inches of compost to the soil and work it into a depth of 12 to 18 inches. Plant the raspberries in the spring. Dig a hole as deep as the root ball and twice as wide. Place the raspberry plant into the hole and fill it with soil. Insert a trellis into the soil behind the raspberry bush and tie the canes to the trellis with twine.

Water the raspberries every other day in periods of intense heat or drought. Water the raspberries for 10 to 15 minutes at a time. Add a layer of mulch 4 to 6 inches deep around the base of the raspberry bush to protect the roots from the heat.

Prune red raspberries in the winter. Thin the canes until only six to eight remain on each bush. Cut back the top 4 inches of growth from black or purple raspberries in the summer.