Raspberries do best with full or near full sun and good drainage especially during winter dormancy. Plant canes around 30cm apart in a slightly raised bed of well prepared, weed free soil. Some protection from extreme heat and strong wind will enhance yield and quality. They are self-fertile but of course need bees for effective pollination.
Summer fruiting varieties such as Willamette, Chilcotin, Chilliwack and Nootka bear fruit on second year canes. They also produce a small crop in autumn. Each winter the old canes that have borne fruit are removed to ground level.
Autumn varieties including Autumn Bliss and Heritage bear fruit on current season canes. All canes of these varieties are removed to ground level each winter.
In very fertile soils canes will benefit from support in the form of a trellis if planted in rows or stakes and ties if planted in isolation. While fertilising is important, overdoing it will result in soft, watery fruit with less flavour that is prone to insect and fungal attacK. Regular watering during dry periods is crucial.
