How to Feed Raspberry Plants

How to Feed Raspberry Plants

• 1

  Put a layer of mulch around the base of newly established raspberry plants, as recommended by the National Gardening Association. The mulch will smother weeds but will also release nutrients into the soil that feed the raspberry plants.

• 2

  Add some composted leaves and manure around the base of newly established raspberry plants to add extra nutrients to the mulch.

• 3

  Apply some 10-10-10 ratio fertilizer to the plants each year during early spring. Both Ohio State University and the University of Illinois recommend fertilizing them before spring growth begins. Use 15 to 20 pounds of fertilizer per 1000 sq. ft. or about a half cup of fertilizer per plant. Use a dry fertilizer and sprinkle it on top of the soil near the base of each plant.

• 4

  Feed the raspberry plants a second time with the same 10-10-10 fertilizer a couple months after the first fertilizer application (usually in May), as recommended by Ohio State University.