RASPBERRY PLANTING GUIDE

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SITE SELECTION - Choose a site that has full sunlight and sandy loam soils. Raspberries require good drainage. If the site has a drainage problem plant on a ridge or raised bed.

SITE PREPARATION - Prepare your planting site in early spring. The soil pH should be between 5.8 and 6.5. Choose a site with high organic content or add compost before planting. If possible avoid areas that previously grew tomatoes, potatoes, or eggplants. Work the ground to a depth of about 8 inches.

PLANTING - Prepare your soil and plant as early as spring permits, frost will not harm them. Plant spacing is 3 feet apart within the row and 10 feet between rows. Proper planting depth is 1 – 2 inches lower than the nursery soil line (dark brown line on cane). Dig holes that are large enough to prevent roots from crowding together. Place roots in hole and fill with soil. Pack firmly for good root and soil contact. Apply moisture if soil is dry.

FERTILIZER - Apply 1 pound of 10-10-10 fertilizer per 100 feet of row at 10 days and 40 days after planting. In years to follow, apply 2 – 3 pounds of 10-10-10 per 100 feet of row in the spring (before growth starts) and again in May. Maintain good weed control. If using mechanical weed control do not work soil very deep as raspberry roots are shallow. Mulching in raspberries is not recommended as it promotes some diseases.

PRUNING - A detailed pruning guide will accompany all orders. The pruning techniques vary between raspberries and blackberries.