Raspberries

Planting raspberries

Plant dormant canes in early spring, an inch or two deeper than they grew in the nursery. Install a simple trellis at planting for upright varieties.

Planting details

• Spacing: 2 to 3 feet between canes in a row
• Summer-bearing types fruit on second-year canes
• Everbearing types can fruit on first-year canes in fall

Growing requirements

Raspberries need full sun, slightly acidic soil, and good drainage. Airflow through the canes limits fungal disease, so keep the row pruned rather than letting it thicken into a tangle.

Harvesting and care

Cut spent floricanes to the ground after they finish fruiting. Thin new primocanes each season so the row stays narrow and the strongest canes keep their spacing.

Common mistakes

• Letting the patch spread unchecked, which crowds canes and invites disease
• Pruning the wrong canes, which removes next summer's fruit on summer-bearing types
• Planting into soggy soil, which rots roots within a season or two

Companion plants

Garlic, chives, and marigolds are often planted along raspberry rows. Keep them away from blackberries and from soil that recently held tomatoes or potatoes.