BuyWhen's the best time to buy this plant? When can you buy these from seed (if you can)? When is it usually available? What are things to look for when you're buying it? Or anything other tidbit of information you can share! JanuaryBuy bare-root plants from local nurseries or mail-order sources. FebruaryBuy bare-root plants from local nurseries or mail-order sources. DecemberBuy bare-root plants from local nurseries or mail-order sources. |
PlantWhen's a good time to plant this plant or bulb? Any special planting instructions? JanuaryPlant bare-root plants 2 to 3 feet apart in rich, well-drained soil in a location with a little afternoon shade. Grow on wire trellis for support. FebruaryPlant bare-root plants 2 to 3 feet apart in rich, well-drained soil in a location with a little afternoon shade. Grow on wire trellis for support. DecemberPlant bare-root plants 2 to 3 feet apart in rich, well-drained soil in a location with a little afternoon shade. Grow on wire trellis for support. |
FertilizeWhen should you fertilize this plant? Which kind of fertilizer do you recommend? Should you use different fertilizers at different times of year? MarchFertilize with a balanced plant food such as 20-20-20. Raspberries like a slightly acid soil, so use an acid-type fertilizer if your soil is alkaline. |
WaterIs there a time to reduce or increase watering? Any special requirements? Things to avoid during certain times of the year? MarchWater regularly and thoroughly during the growing season. Do not overhead water. AprilWater regularly and thoroughly during the growing season. Do not overhead water. MayWater regularly and thoroughly during the growing season. Do not overhead water. JuneWater regularly and thoroughly during the growing season. Do not overhead water. JulyWater regularly and thoroughly during the growing season. Do not overhead water. AugustWater regularly and thoroughly during the growing season. Do not overhead water. SeptemberWater regularly and thoroughly during the growing season. Do not overhead water. OctoberWater regularly and thoroughly during the growing season. Do not overhead water. |
PruneWhen's a good time to prune this plant? How about deadheading, pinching back, trimming or any other grooming? Any special requirements? FebruaryIf you didn\'t do it last fall, cut back last year\'s canes to the ground for the best late summer and fall crop. MarchCut back last year\'s fruiting canes to the ground for the best fall crop, or cut only the top half of the canes that fruited last year for smaller June and fall crops. On older plantings, dig out new shoots that come up far outside the row. AprilOn older plantings, dig out new shoots that come up far outside the row. JulyCut the parts of canes that have just fruited after you harvest. NovemberCut all canes back to the ground after harvest, if desired. Or, just cut the parts of the canes that have fruited that year, which will produce two smaller crops next June and fall. |
MulchDoes this plant need to be mulched? Are there specific types of Mulch which are better for this plant? How much? MarchMaintain a generous mulch to keep soil and plants cool and to conserve water. AprilMaintain a generous mulch to keep soil and plants cool and to conserve water. MayMaintain a generous mulch to keep soil and plants cool and to conserve water. JuneMaintain a generous mulch to keep soil and plants cool and to conserve water. JulyMaintain a generous mulch to keep soil and plants cool and to conserve water. AugustMaintain a generous mulch to keep soil and plants cool and to conserve water. SeptemberMaintain a generous mulch to keep soil and plants cool and to conserve water. OctoberMaintain a generous mulch to keep soil and plants cool and to conserve water. |
ProtectWhen and how should you protect this plant from birds, deer, rabbits? Does this plant need be covered, or wrapped or painted or moved? JuneProtect plants from hot summer sun with white shade cloth, if necessary. JulyProtect plants from hot summer sun with white shade cloth, if necessary. AugustProtect plants from hot summer sun with white shade cloth, if necessary. SeptemberProtect plants from hot summer sun with white shade cloth, if necessary. OctoberProtect plants from hot summer sun with white shade cloth, if necessary. |
Pest/Disease InspectionWhat are the common problems this plant will face and when should you look for them to appear? JuneCheck for fungal diseases on leaves. If this is a problem, spray with lime sulfur next winter during the dormant period. JulyCheck for fungal diseases on leaves. If this is a problem, spray with lime sulfur next winter during the dormant period. |
Treat for Pest/DiseaseHow do you treat the common problems for this plant? What products or concoctions or natural means do you use? Any special requirements? JanuaryTo control fungal diseases, spray with lime sulfur during dormancy and again just as the first leaf buds begin to open. FebruaryTo control fungal diseases, spray with lime sulfur during dormancy and again just as the first leaf buds begin to open. |
PropagateWhen's a good time to divide, take cuttings, layer or propagate this plant. Any special requirements? MarchNew shoots coming up from the ground can be dug with roots and moved to make more plants. AprilNew shoots coming up from the ground can be dug with roots and moved to make more plants. |
HarvestWhen's a good time to harvest this plant? What's the best way to harvest? Are there special requirements or features? JuneHarvest June crop of berries, if present. AugustHarvest main fall crop of berries. SeptemberHarvest main fall crop of berries. OctoberHarvest main fall crop of berries. |