Raspberries & Blackberries

Growing Raspberries and Blackberries

Raspberries and blackberries are delicious, rewarding fruits to grow at home. With proper planting, pruning, and trellis training, you can enjoy a bountiful harvest for years.

Red Raspberries

Planting:

Plant in early spring in full sun.
Cut the tops back to about 6 inches before planting.
Space plants 3–4 feet apart in rows 6–7 feet apart.
Cover roots with 4 inches of soil, spreading them naturally.

Pruning:

In spring, cut canes back to 4–5 feet.
Remove weak canes, leaving 5–8 strong canes per plant.

Trellis Training:

Drive a 7-foot stake into the ground next to each plant and tie the strong canes to it using soft cloth or string.
Or, build a trellis: posts 15–30 feet apart, cross arms 2 feet above the ground, and string wires 18–24 inches apart.

Black Raspberries and Blackberries

Planting:

Plant in spring in a sunny, well-drained location.
Space plants 3–5 feet apart, rows 6 feet apart, or use the hill system (5–6 feet apart).
Cover roots with 3–4 inches of soil, keeping the crown at soil level.
Water well and cut stems back to 1 inch above soil.

Cultivation:

Begin shallow cultivation shortly after planting to avoid root damage.
Optional: plant cover crops like millet or rye in mid-July to improve soil and strengthen canes for winter.

Pruning:

After fruiting, remove old canes at ground level.
When new canes reach 3 feet, pinch off the top bud to encourage branching.
Prune every spring to prevent tangling.

Trellis Training:

Place a 2 x 2 post 2½ feet above the ground next to each plant and tie canes with soft cloth.
Or, build a wire trellis: posts 20 feet apart, wires 2½–3 feet above ground, posts extend 18 inches into the soil.

Fertilizing:

At planting, work manure or 10-10-10 fertilizer into soil 7–14 days before planting.
For new plants, apply 2 oz per plant 3–4 weeks after planting.
For mature plants (2+ years), use 6–7 oz per plant in late winter or early spring. Avoid fertilizing late summer or fall.

Thornless Blackberries

Planting:

Plant 6–8 feet apart.
After the first year, train on trellises for support.

Trellis Training:

Set heavy posts 15–25 feet apart.
Stretch two wires: bottom wire at 2½ feet, top wire at 5 feet.
Train canes along wires and tie with soft string.

Pruning:

In late winter or early spring, remove old and weak canes.
Cut side branches back to 12 inches from the main cane.

With these planting, pruning, and training tips, your raspberry and blackberry bushes will stay healthy, productive, and easy to manage. A well-maintained trellis system not only supports the plants but also makes harvesting easier and more enjoyable.