What Type of Soil Do Raspberries Live In?

Soil Type

• Soil drainage is a crucial element of successful raspberry growth and development. For optimal results, plant raspberries in a sandy loam or silt loam soil. Clay soils and sandy soils will not provide optimal water conditions and should be amended before planting. Heavy clay soils are particularly undesirable, since raspberries are susceptible to root rot. Raspberries grow best in soils with pH levels between 5.6 and 6.2, according to the University of Maine Cooperative Extension.

Preparing Your Soil

• Always obtain a soil analysis from your local university extension office before planting raspberries. A soil test provides a thorough analysis of your soil pH and nutrient levels. Depending on the test results, you may need to make amendments to your soil. Common soil amendments include incorporating organic matter to increase soil fertility, adding lime to the soil to increase pH levels, and fertilizing your soil to correct any nutrient deficiencies. Always follow product manufacturer's directions carefully, and begin making amendments about six weeks before planting if possible.

Soil Site

• For maximum crop yields, plant raspberries in full sunlight. They may also tolerate partial shade. Do not plant raspberries in soil sites that have previously been used for tomatoes, potatoes, peppers, or eggplant in the last four years, and avoid planting them within 600 feet of other raspberry or blackberry plantings. Raspberries are susceptible to many of the same diseases and insect pests as these other plant species, and planting them on the same soil sites increases your chances of infestation or disease.

Common Problems

• Observe your raspberry plants carefully for signs of pests and disease, particularly if you have less-than-ideal soil conditions. Common raspberry insect pests include raspberry cane borers, raspberry fruit worms, sap beetles, picnic beetles, Japanese beetles, root weevils and spider mites. Common diseases include verticillium wilt, anthracnose, powdery mildew, phytophthora root rot and mosaic virus. If possible, choose virus-resistant raspberry varieties in order to prevent disease infestation. If you experience problems with your raspberries and cannot determine the cause, take a sample of the affected area to your local university extension for analysis.