How to Plant Raspberries

Vigorous and easy to grow, autumn-fruiting raspberries look after themselves once established and just need regular pruning to stop them from spreading.

When to Plant: autumn
At Their Best: late summer to mid-autumn
Time to Complete: 2 hours

 

 

Materials Needed:

• raspberry canes
• well-composted organic matter

• shovel
• mulch
• stakes and thick wire

Select Site and Plant

Raspberries prefer a moist soil and grow in sun or partial shade. Dig in plenty of organic matter and plant canes in a row. Water well and apply mulch.

Support and Train

Cut the canes to the ground after planting. They can grow quite unwieldy in summer and it's important to provide a strong support. Hammer two sturdy wooden stakes into the ground and string thick wires between them at 24-inch intervals. Tie in the stems.

Routine Care

During the first year after planting, pinch off any fruits that form to allow the plant to concentrate its energies on root growth. Then, each year after fruiting, cut the fruited canes to the ground. Tie new canes to the support — these will produce fruit the following year.