How to Transplant Raspberries in Winter

Fall-bearing raspberries are sweeter than summer-producing plants, making them an optimal choice for growers. The Heritage, Red Bliss and Red Wing varieties are fall-producing plants. The cooler temperatures allow the sugar to accumulate in the berries, giving them a sweeter taste. Growing and propagating raspberries requires transplanting the mother plant’s suckers. Suckers that remain on the raspberry plant results in overgrowth, making heavy pruning necessary in the spring. Transplanting is more effective if performed in the fall, but early winter transplanting is possible in a south-facing location.

Pruning knife
Shovel
Organic matter
Mulch

Instructions

- 1
  Prepare the soil for the transplanted raspberries. Adding organic matter, such as leaves, to the soil enriches it with nutrients. Sand added to heavy soils encourages drainage.
- 2
  Cut the sucker’s roots with a pruning knife where it attaches to the mother plant. Keeping the soil ball intact around the root system prevents damage and promotes healthy growth.
- 3
  Place the root system into prepared soil at the same depth as it was removed from the mother plant. Firm the soil around the sucker and cover the root system with soil.
- 4
  Cut off the sucker’s top 2/3 bringing the size in line with the root system’s size.
- 5
  Water the sucker immediately and maintain a moist soil for seven to 10 days. Covering the plant lightly with straw or mulch protects the new growth from the winter elements.

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