What Do Raspberry Bushes Like?

Soil Conditions

• Raspberries will grow in any reasonably fertile soil, but they prefer sandy loam soils with lots of organic matter. The soil should have a pH between about 5.5 and 6.5, which is a bit more acidic than most garden vegetables. A soil test tells you the pH and nutrient content of your soil, which helps you decide what fertilizers, if any, to apply. Incorporate compost, manure, peat moss or other organic matter to add nutrients and, over time, lower the pH of the soil.

Moisture

• Raspberries need ample moisture -- 1 to 3 inches per week throughout most of the growing season and a bit more as the berries come close to harvest. While water is important, too much can be harmful. If water pools around the plants, it can severely damage the roots. The best way to avoid this is to plant your bushes in a location with well-drained soil where water does not collect on the surface even after a hard rain.

Sunlight

• Raspberry bushes need ample sunlight to flower and bear fruit. Avoid planting them in a shady location. An elevated location usually provides good sunlight exposure, helps protect plants from spring frosts and usually has well-drained soil as well.

Support

• A trellis or some similar system will help raspberries by supporting the bushes. It also keeps the fruit off the ground and makes it easier to pick. An effective trellis for raspberries usually consists of posts spaced 15 to 20 feet apart with cross arms to support wires every 24 to 28 inches. The wires should be 36 to 40 inches off the ground.