How to Plant Raspberries in Colorado

Test the soil to ensure it has a pH of 6.0 to 6.5. Soil test kits are available at most garden centers.

Work the Colorado soil and any amendments with a garden fork. Add lime to the soil if the pH is below 6.0 or peat moss if the pH of the soil is above 6.5. Follow the manufacturer's instructions for allocation amounts and application recommendations.

Dig holes for the raspberry plants 2 inches deeper than their nursery containers. Space the holes 2 feet apart in each row. Keep rows 5 to 10 feet apart.

Remove the raspberry plants from their nursery containers. Set one raspberry plant in the center of each hole. Backfill the holes and pat the soil around each plant to remove air pockets from the Colorado soil. Trim each raspberry plant 6 inches above the soil line immediately after planting, using sharp scissors.

Water the Colorado raspberry plants after planting with a soaker hose. Supply weekly deep waterings, maintaining moist soil to a depth of 1 inch.

Spread a 4-inch layer of bark mulch or straw around the raspberry plants to improve drainage and deter weed growth.

Hammer in a 3-foot trellis behind the raspberry plants. Attach the stems of each raspberry plant to the trellis, using elastic twine.

Fertilize the Colorado raspberry plants using a 10-10-10 fertilizer. Apply the fertilizer according to manufacturer's instructions. Most Colorado raspberries appreciate a dose of fertilizer during the early spring.