How to Take Care of Raspberry Bushes

Raspberry (Rubus idaeus) bushes may be grown in U.S. Department of Agriculture plant hardiness zones 2 and warmer. They are perennial bushes, which re-emerge each spring. They develop clusters of sweet red fruit during the summer months. With proper care, a raspberry bush will produce an abundance of fruit for at least 10 years before it starts to decline. Proper pruning is one of the most important parts of caring for raspberry bushes.

Mulch
Water
10-10-10 fertilizer
Shovel
Trellis
Hand pruners

Instructions

- 1
  Spread 3 inches of organic mulch, such as straw, sawdust or pine straw, under the base of the raspberry bushes to prevent weeds from growing and competing with the bushes for water and nutrients.
- 2
  Water the soil under the raspberry bushes once or twice per week to a depth of 8 or 10 inches so that it does not dry out. Consistent moisture is especially important during fruit production.
- 3
  Spread slow-release 10-10-10 fertilizer granules over the soil under the bushes in March, before growth begins, and again in May. Use 3 lbs. of fertilizer for every 100 square feet of soil area.
- 4
  Dig a 12-inch-deep hole 6 inches behind the raspberry bushes and insert the base of a trellis into the bottom of the hole. Backfill the trench while holding the trellis upright and then stomp down on the soil to pack it down. The trellis will prevent the canes from falling over on the ground. It should be at least 40 inches high.
- 5
  Prune all raspberry bushes in the early spring ---using hand pruners---to remove all dead canes and to cut all canes that are over 5 feet tall back to no higher than 5 feet. Wait until after the bush stops producing fruit and prune a second time to remove all canes that developed berries, cutting them at ground level using hand pruners.

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