Growing Blackberries and Raspberries (Rubus): Complete Guide

Site Selection and Preparation

Choose a sunny location with rich, well‑drained soil. Avoid areas where wild brambles, strawberries, tomatoes, potatoes, eggplants, or peppers have grown—these soils may harbor soil‑borne diseases. Amend planting area with compost or aged manure.

Spacing

• Blackberries: 4–5 ft apart in rows, 10 ft between rows.
• Raspberries: 3 ft apart in rows, 8 ft between rows.

Planting

Soak roots several hours before planting. Keep blackberry roots covered and dark during soaking—exposure to bright light can reduce survival. Plant crowns 1 inch below soil line (blackberries) or 1–2 inches deeper than nursery depth (raspberries). Spread roots like wheel spokes, firm soil, create a watering basin, and water deeply.

Watering and Fertilizing

Provide at least 1 inch of water per week, especially during establishment. Water at base to keep foliage dry. Fertilize 4–6 weeks after planting with timed‑release fertilizer; thereafter, feed in early spring and early July. Side‑dress with 1–2 inches of compost or rotted manure each spring.

Training and Pruning

Install a two‑wire trellis (3 ft and 5 ft high) for raspberries; add a third wire for more vigorous blackberries. First year: no pruning. Second year and beyond:

• Summer‑bearing raspberries & blackberries: Remove fruited canes after harvest. In late winter, thin to 5–7 strong lateral canes per foot of row.
• Everbearing raspberries (‘Autumn Britten’): Option 1—prune as summer‑bearers for continuous crop. Option 2—mow all canes to ground in late fall/winter for a heavy fall crop.

Harvest

Fruit begins in the second year. Pick when berries detach easily. Net plants to protect from birds.