How to Grow Raspberries Vertically

Although raspberries are often grown in long, horizontal rows, you can grow them in a small garden space just as effectively. The secret is to grow them vertically instead of horizontally. Train the canes upward on a climbing structure such as a rose column or trellis, and the raspberry needs little space. Any climbing support that is about 6 feet tall will work fine. You can even use a taller support if you want to harvest them at a higher level.

Garden spade or fork
Compost
Slow-release fertilizer
Lawn edgers
Rose column or other climbing structure

Instructions

- 1
  Choose a location for your raspberries that is in full sun. The soil must have good drainage. Work organic compost into the soil, at least a bucket full per square yard. Add slow-release fertilizer at 3 ounces per square yard as well. Mix the soil well.
- 2
  Dig a hole during the dormant months. Make a hole 6 to 8 inches deep and a few inches larger than your raspberry plant. The hole must be deep enough so that the roots are not bunched up when placed in it. The dormant months are usually between November and March, but depend on your latitude. Line the hole with lawn edging to prevent the raspberry roots from spreading.
- 3
  Set the raspberry plant in the middle of the hole. Fill in around the plant’s roots with more of your enriched soil and tamp in well. Prune the raspberry canes to within 10 inches of the ground. Place a rose column or other conical climbing structure over the raspberry plant.
- 4
  Train the canes as they grow to climb up the structure. Tie them loosely in place with garden twine. Train them all the way around the structure if you want to harvest from all sides.
- 5
  Water the raspberry plant well in dry conditions throughout the growing season, but keep the soil well drained.

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