It's no surprise that raspberries are one of the more popular fruits. Not only are they delicious and can be used to create tasty jams, but they also offer several health benefits. It includes being a good source of antioxidants, fiber, and vitamins.

Luckily, they are also one of the easier perennial fruit crops to grow at home. The following article will provide you with everything you need to know about how to plant and grow raspberries. From the best time to plant them, where to plant them, and the materials needed to step-by-step instructions- you'll be prepared to begin growing your raspberries in no time.

When to Plant Raspberries

It is important to note that there are two types of raspberries. One is Summer-fruiting which is more common and bears one crop per season. And two, Ever-bearing, also known as Fall or Autumn bearing. These produce berries on new canes, so they bear a fall crop and can also produce a smaller amount of fruit the following summer. To get as many raspberries as possible each season, it would be wise to get a mixture of the two types of plants.

If you're using raspberry canes purchased from a nursery, it is recommended to plant them as the ground begins to thaw. This will make the ground easier to work with. If you're using potted transplants, it would be better to wait until the threat of frost has passed.

Another option, if you are eager to begin, is to start the process indoors by using household items. For example, egg cartons, toilet paper rolls, or other proper-sized food containers can all be used to begin the growing process.

What You Need

To facilitate growing raspberries, you should have the following materials at hand:

1)  Soil:  The soil should be well-drained, and slightly acidic.  You can also add some compost if desired, although it is not mandatory. 

2)  Trellis:  Depending on how large the plants grow, having a trellis, (or at minimum, a string/line/fence of some sort), will offer them the proper support and can keep growing accordingly.  Remember, the weight of the raspberries should be accounted for too!  

By using a trellis, the plants have a better chance of being out of reach from any animals.  While the use of a trellis is, once again, not mandatory, it has become a popular tool for growing raspberries.

A Step-By-Step Guide On How To Plant and Grow Raspberries

Step One: Prepare Roots

Preparing Strawberries

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Before planting, soak the roots for an hour or two.  You can use this time to finalize your plans for their placement if need be.   

When it comes to their placement, a small bed of soil located in an area that receives a lot of sunlight (for at least six hours each day) is recommended.  The more sun it receives, the more fruit will grow.  However, if having a lot of sunlight isn't possible, raspberries can still grow successfully without much sunlight. 

The area you choose should also offer proper drainage and be shielded from the wind.  Basically, a good rule for raspberries is to have good air circulation but not too much wind.  They also shouldn't get too much water.

Step Two: Dig A Hole

Man Digging Holes with Shovel for Planting Plants in Garden

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Dig a hole that is large enough to allow the roots to grow.  Or, if you're planting multiple plants, you can make this process easier by creating a trench.  

Step Three: Space Out Seeds

Planting seeds

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Be sure to space out your seeds/roots properly.  Canes should be spaced about 18 inches apart, and about 4ft between rows.  If applicable, the crown of the plant should be 1 or 2 inches above the ground.  

Step Four: Fill The Soil Back

Plant seedlings in nature plant a tree natural

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Fill the soil back in and use your tool, or even your foot, to pat the soil down.  Once the canes are planted, cut them down to 9 inches tall to encourage new growth.

Step Five: Enjoy & Maintain

Rasberry

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Now, it's time to enjoy taking care of your planted raspberry plants!  

Raspberry Plant Maintenance

As with most plants, make sure to water them accordingly! If you weren't a fan of mulching before, now may be the time to change this. Mulching regularly will help prevent weeds from destroying the raspberry plant, while also retaining the much-needed moisture.

It is also recommended to keep the area in which the raspberry plants are growing free from other plants. If other vegetation begins to grow within too close a proximity to the raspberry plants, they will be competing for the essential water and nutrients needed to grow.

Enjoy The Raspberries!

Once you see the delicious raspberries turn a bold red color (the color can vary depending on which plant you used), you can pick, gently rinse (only do this right before you eat them), and enjoy the delicious fruit!  You can also keep your picked raspberries fresh in the fridge for a couple of days.

Now that you know how to plant and grow raspberries, what else would you try planting next?