Care of Wild Raspberries

Wild raspberry plants produce fruit that can be eaten fresh or used in pies and other pastries and preserves. The plant is native to the southwestern and midwestern parts of the United States and can also be found in areas of Canada. Proper care will help to control the size of the plant and encourage abundant fruit production. This involves heavy pruning, composting and removing threatening plants that may spread disease.

Shovel
Pruning shears
Organic compost

Instructions

- 1
  Dig up any other wild raspberry or blackberry plants that are within 600 feet of the plant you want to cultivate. This will prevent the spread of infectious diseases between the plants. If you want to transplant the other plants, do so in early spring.
- 2
  Cut the old canes on the wild raspberry plant back to the ground. These canes will be thick and a dark brown color. Prune the younger canes back to 8 feet to encourage new fruiting growth.
- 3
  Pull up any weeds within a 2-foot radius around the plant. This will remove competition for nutrients and water.
- 4
  Pour a 2-inch layer of organic compost around the base of the wild raspberry plant. Give the plant 2 inches of water a week during dry periods.
- 5
  Continue a pruning routine every year by removing the canes that fruited the last season. Remove the canes in early spring. Cut them back to the soil because they will not fruit the next growing season.

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