Care & Planting of Raspberry Canes

Soil Preparation

• According to the North Carolina State University College of Agriculture and Life Sciences, well-drained loamy soil that is high in organic matter and has a pH of 6.5 is ideal for growing raspberries. Build raised beds, add lime or sulphur, or add compost to the soil to adjust it so it is suitable for raspberries.

Where to Plant

• Grow raspberries far from wild raspberries or blackberries, which may harbor disease. Don't plant them where potatoes, peppers, eggplant or tomatoes have recently grown as this increases the risk of raspberry canes suffering from verticillium wilt.

When to Plant

• Plant dormant canes in winter or early spring. Keep them adequately watered to promote good root growth. Plant canes at the same depth that they were grown at the nursery.

Care of Raspberry Canes

• Keep raspberries weed-free so they don't have to compete for nutrients. For an optimal harvest, the plants need at least 1 inch of water per week during the growing season. Test the soil for any nutrient deficiencies and apply fertilizer as needed.