How to Plant & Grow Golden Everbearing Raspberries for a Bountiful Harvest

Choose the planting site. Raspberries grow best in a sunny location, they will also grow successfully in a partially-shaded spot, more sun equals more fruit! The planting site should have great air circulation, and shelter from the wind; avoid wet areas.

Prepare the soil. Raspberries prefer rich and well-drained soil rich in organic matter. You can amend the soil with worm castings, compost or other organic matter.

Dig the hole. Dig a hole that is roomy enough for the roots to spread. If you’re planting multiple bushes, it’s easiest to dig a trench.

Plant your raspberry. Make sure your plant is well hydrated before planting. The root crowns of raspberry plants can be sensitive to rot when buried, elevate the plant so the crown is 1-2” above the ground, and mulch heavily to help retain moisture. Plants spread quickly and should be spaced 3’ inches apart.

Water your raspberry plant. Keep soil moist until new roots establish. Water 1” per week from spring until after harvest. Regular watering is better than infrequent deep soaking.

Support your raspberry plant. A trellis or a fence are good options.

Prune your everbearing raspberries annually. Branches (or canes) that bear fruit live for only two summers. If a plant with an established root system is planted in early spring, your everbearing raspberries should fruit in its first year. To get both fall and following summer crop, prune 1st year (woody) canes back in spring to the last visible node that had fruit, First year canes will fruit again the following summer and become second year canes. Prune 2nd year canes to the ground after fruiting. Keep your raspberry bush tidy by digging up any “suckers” or canes that grow well away from the rows.

Feed your raspberries. Every year, feed your raspberry plants with a couple of inches of compost or worm castings.

Enjoy the fruits of your labour. First year canes will bear fruit in the fall, second year canes will bear fruit in the following summer. 

Share pictures of your gardening by tagging us on Instagram @GrowingTkaronto