How to Plant Raspberries in Virginia

Choose a variety of raspberry to plant. Red raspberry varieties well-suited for Virginia include Boyne, an early fruiting raspberry with small to medium fruit, and Taylor, a red raspberry that matures late in the season with a large and nicely flavored fruit. Choices for black raspberries that do well in Virginia include Allen, Dundee and Black Hawk.

Select a site for your raspberries. Raspberry bushes tend to grow best in well-drained, loamy soil. Add organic matter, such as peat or compost. Choose an area with full sunlight, adequate ventilation, moisture and protection from wind. Areas elevated from surrounding areas, such as a slope or small hill, are ideal.

Till the soil. Test the soil pH. Add potassium or phosphorus as needed until the soil pH is approximately 6.0 to 6.5.

Dig a hole 5 to 6 inches deep. Place the raspberry plant in the hole. Fill in around the plant with soil, and tamp the soil firmly around the plant.

Water the raspberry plant so that the soil is moist, but not soggy. Ensure the plant receives an inch of rain a week during the growing season, either through rain or by watering. When the plant is fruiting, it should receive at least 1 1/2 inches of water a week. Do not allow the soil to become dry.