Raspberry

Raspberries prefer fertile, well-drained loam near pH 5.5-6.5 and struggle in waterlogged soil. Apply compost and soil-test-based fertilizer in spring, then train and prune canes according to whether they bear in summer or fall.

Sun

Full sun

Water

Water deeply during establishment; adjust to rainfall and soil

Spacing

24 in

First harvest

1–2 years

Tips

• Plant dormant canes in spring at their nursery depth, about 2-3 feet apart, and prioritize root growth in the first season.
• Supply about 1-2 inches of water weekly during fruit development and mulch without burying cane bases.
• Feed in early spring rather than late summer, which encourages tender growth before winter.
• Trellis summer-bearing canes and remove them after fruiting; mow fall-bearing types in late winter only if growing a fall-only crop.
• Pick berries when they slip easily from the receptacle, and remove damaged fruit promptly to limit spotted-wing drosophila.

Plant certified disease-free dormant canes in early spring or container plants in spring after hardening off.

Hear about it on the show