How to Plant a Raspberry Patch

Plant in a site that gets full sun and has well-drained soil. Raspberries can grow and produce fruit in partial shade but do best in a sunny location. They also are susceptible to root rot and require soil that drains well and doesn't constantly hold water.

Add about two inches of organic mulch such as aged cattle manure, dried leaves or peat moss to the soil if it is already well-drained. If the soil is heavy or clay-like, add 3 to 4 inches of organic material.

Wait until early spring to begin planting. As soon as the soil has thawed enough to work with, the raspberries should be planted.

Till fertilizer into the soil. It should include superphosphate at a rate of 2 lbs. per 1,000 square feet and ammonium sulfate at a rate of 4 lbs. per 1,000 square feet.

Dig a series of holes that are 2 to 3 feet apart in rows that are about 5 to 15 feet apart. The holes should be as deep as the root ball for red raspberries and about 1 inch deeper than the root ball for black or purple raspberries.

Cut off any broken or damaged roots, if you are planting bare-root raspberry plants.

Plant one raspberry vine in each hole, keeping the crown even with the soil level for red raspberries, or 1 inch below the soil level for black or purple raspberries.

Pack soil into the hole gently but firmly, tamping it down lightly with a foot or a shovel.

Cut the raspberry canes back so that they are only about 6 to 8 inches tall. This will prepare them for bearing fruit next season.

Water each plant thoroughly so that the moisture reaches the roots.