How to Train Raspberries

Raspberry plants have perennial roots and biennial canes, meaning their roots remain viable year after year, but their canes die after producing fruit. New canes are constantly growing during the season to replace the older canes. Raspberry canes can reach 6 feet in height and become weighed down with clusters of fruit. Train raspberry canes on a trellis to provide support and to spread the canes apart, allowing sunlight to reach the center of each bush.

Post hole digger
Shovel
2 wooden posts, 6 feet long
12-gauge wire
Staple gun
Pruning shears
Twine or heavy string

Instructions

- 1
  Dig two holes, 2 feet deep, at each end of a row of raspberry plants using a post hole digger or a shovel. Position the holes at the corners of the row ends. Space the sets of holes no more than 30 feet apart.
- 2
  Place one wooden post upright in each hole. Use a shovel to add dirt into the holes around the posts. Tamp the dirt down firmly with your foot or the shovel handle to compact it and secure the post.
- 3
  String a 12-gauge wire on the posts, running the entire length of the row. Position the wires 2 feet above the ground. Attach the wires to the posts on each end of the row with a staple gun. Stretch the wire as tight as possible before securing in place. Attach additional wires 3 1/2 feet and 5 1/2 feet from the ground on each side of the posts. The raspberry canes should be contained inside the rows of wire.
- 4
  Gently bend the canes towards the wires. Use twine or heavy string to tie them in place. Prune old canes after they have stopped bearing fruit and tie the newer canes to the wires.

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