Raspberry bushes which I need to pot and store?

Question

I have purchased a property with a large garden that is full of raspberry bushes. Unfortunately I need to use some of the land for off road parking and would like to move the raspberry bushes. I am hoping to dig them up and then pot them to replant later in the year. Can any one please tell me what soil or fertilizer to use and is it possible to use the soil that they have been planted in?? Any tips and advice would be a great help. Thanks Buster.

Answer 1

You want to dig up the raspberry canes while they're dormant. Before you dig them up, prune them down to just a foot or two feet tall. This will help lessen the shock because the roots will have less area to feed. If you could replant them in a temporary spot, in the ground, that would be best. If not, use large buckets like the kind restaurants get supplies in and make sure you have adequate drainage. Raspberries don't like wet roots. You can use the soil they're in for putting them in buckets, but I'd add some compost and maybe about a fourth of good soil meant for potting. Being in containers, you'll have to make sure that the raspberries are kept well watered in the summer. Also, if the buckets aren't light in color, you'll want to create some shade so that the roots aren't baking away in the containers. Good luck. Raspberries are very hardy so you have a good chance of success.