If you have not removed old raspberry canes yet, now is a good time to do so. You can easily tell which canes are dead, because they will not develop any new leaves. Live canes will typically have dead tips, which can be removed when they do not develop new growth. Casoron granules can be applied in the fall or spring to control weeds. Casoron will kill existing grassy weeds and prevent new weed growth for the entire summer. You can also suppress most weeds by applying an inch or two of bark or compost as a mulch.
Raspberries pick up virus diseases over several years. It is a good idea to establish a new row or bed separated from the old one every five to seven years. Try planting two or three different varieties to spread fruit harvest. Local full-service nurseries and garden stores have the best selection of varieties.
I plant raspberry plants in a single row spaced about a foot apart in the row. New sucker plants will widen the row as much as you want to let them. I prefer to limit row width to 2 to 3 feet so plenty of light reaches the inner row and fruit is easier to pick.
Fertilize blueberries and raspberries in the spring with a general purpose fertilizer such as 16-16-16. For best yield and largest fruit, water plants every three days during the blooming and fruiting period. Make sure the water reaches at least 6 inches deep.
