How to Grow Raspberry Bushes for Privacy

Brambles, such as raspberries, are easy to grow and their bushy nature and thorns keep animals and people away, making them a perfect choice for an edible privacy screen. Understanding how raspberry bushes grow is key to pruning them properly to create a hedge. While the crowns and roots are perennial, the stems (canes) growing from the crowns are biennial, meaning they die after two years. During the first year the canes grow rapidly, developing a sturdy structure and storing energy. They produce fruit the second year and then die. Careful pruning of the canes results in a natural privacy barrier.

Rake
Pruning shears
Gloves
Trellis
Garden ties
Fertilizer

Instructions

- 1
  Clear the area where you plan to grow your raspberry bushes. Remove stones, branches and roots and rake the soil until level.
- 2
  Prune the bushes until there are approximately eight strong canes from each crown. Cut the excess canes off flush with the top of the crown.
- 3
  Plant your bushes in a row, aiming for five to 10 canes per square foot of row. There should be 4 to 6 inches of space between each of the canes.
- 4
  Install your trellis behind the raspberry bushes. Raspberries need a strong support to keep their canes off of the ground and discourage them from rooting. Attach the canes to the trellis by tying them loosely to the support with garden ties.
- 5
  Prune the canes back in the spring when the first-year stems are 18 to 20 inches tall. Remove 6 inches of growth to encourage side branching. Prune them again the following spring, cutting them down to 12 inches.
- 6
  Remove second-year canes after they've fruited. Cut the stems off at the base of the crown.
- 7
  Fertilize the raspberry bushes in the spring. Follow the manufacturer's instructions to mix the fertilizer and apply according to the directions. A fertilizer containing equal amounts of nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium is best. Apply to the soil near the crowns and to the surrounding 2-foot area beyond the row.

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