How to Plant Raspberries in New England

Choose a planting location that receives full sunlight. Pay attention to nearby trees and buildings that may cast shadows over the plants as the sun moves. Also consider the plants around the raspberries; the taller plants should be farther back in your garden so they don't block the sunlight for smaller plants.

Test the pH level in the soil where you want to plant the raspberries. Scoop some soil from the ground, and place it in the testing kit's container. Add distilled water, place the lid on the container, and then shake it until thoroughly mixed.

Dip a testing stick into the soil mixture, then remove it after 60 seconds have passed. Compare the stick to the testing kit's pH chart. Raspberries should ideally be planted in a soil with a pH between 5.6 and 6.2. Add ground limestone to the soil per the instructions on its box or package to raise the pH, if necessary. Retest the soil after the duration specified on the lime's packaging has passed.

Dig up a spot in your soil slightly larger than the raspberry plants. Stir compost or fertilized garden soil in with the ground soil. Mix thoroughly until the soil is broken up and easily manipulated.

Scoop a hole in the soil using your hand. Place the raspberry plant into the hole, then cover it with dirt. Pat the soil lightly to make it firmer. Space the plants 2 feet from each other. Ideally, each row should be no longer than 12 feet long, and each row should be 4 feet from each other.

Place a trellis above each plant; any trellis will work, including a long line that spans the entire row or individual cage trellises.

Water the plants. Do not allow them to dry out.