How to Top-Dress and Fertilize Raspberry Canes

Make the first application of fertilizer to your raspberries canes roughly 10 days to two weeks after they are planted in the growing soil. Use an organic or synthetic fertilizer with a guaranteed analysis of 5-10-5. Cast or pour the fertilizer around the base of each plant being careful to stay slightly away from the main stem and refrain from applying it over the top of the plants. Water well to soak the fertilizer and soil.

Fertilize your raspberry plants during their second year and each year thereafter with a complete, balanced fertilizer product with a guaranteed analysis of 10-10-10 or similar ratio. Make this application early each spring after the ground soil has thawed and before the plants break dormancy. Use 7 to 10 pounds of fertilizer for every 500 square feet of raspberry plantings. Cast around the base of the plants keeping sway from the trunk and main stems. Water well to soak the applied fertilizer and surrounding soil.

Top-dress the planting soil with well-aged manure each year in mid- to late spring, applying 125 to 200 pounds for every quarter acre of raspberry plants. Place the aged manure roughly 12 inches away from the crown or main trunk of each plant and do not till it into the soil as this can disturb the roots.

Lay down a 4- to 6-inch-thick blanket of organic mulch each fall to insulate the roots and keep weeds at bay. Use well-rotted sawdust or clean straw as they are lightweight and not prone to carry disease.