They will do okay without tons of it, but there is no way you will get the size and taste of berries that you should be getting. Raspberry plants which suffer from drought conditions will produce smaller fruit. If the growing season brings about an inch of rainfall every 7 to 10 days or so, you shouldn’t need to provide any additional water; however, if it gets really dry in a week’s time, you can give your raspberry plants a good, thorough soaking. Keep your raspberry bushes tidy by digging up any “suckers” or canes that grow well away from the rows; if you don’t dig them up, they’ll draw nutrients away and you’ll have less berries next year. Soak in water rinse one at a time and place them upside down on a paper towel lined pan. Raspberry plants which suffer from drought conditions will produce smaller fruit. Pick out plants that will grow well in your hardiness zone. Start applying more water -- at least 1 1/2 to 2 inches weekly -- during the second year of growth before flowering begins, and during the entire fruiting season. Water the ground around the base of the new raspberry plants; never water the plants themselves, as... Mulching Raspberry Plants. If you need further assistance, we're always eager to help. Plant new raspberry bushes in soil that is well-drained; preferably in a raised bed or "hill"... Watering the Ground. There should be no berry production, when water is most critical, during the first year of the plant's life. Raspberries should be fertilized each spring. Improve the soil. Your plants need one inch of water per week during the growing season. Water Utilization. Water. A growing legacy since 1816. This will get them clean a bug free and will also prevent them from rotting too early. If necessary, water raspberries 1 - 2 deep waters per week during the flowering and fruiting season, this is the most critical period of water requirements for the best raspberry plant care. You may still be reaping the benefits of your summer harvest and have not yet thought about what to plant next. Our Fabulous Fruits cookbook has a recipe for just about everything… from beverages and appetizers, to savory mains, but the true test of a good cookbook is the ease at which the home cook can follow and execute in their own kitchens. If the growing season brings about an inch of rainfall every 7 to 10 days or so, you shouldn’t need to provide any additional water; however, if it gets really dry in a week’s time, you can give your raspberry plants a good, thorough soaking. Regular watering is better than infrequent deep soaking. You'll find answers to many questions on our FAQ page. Watering the canes and vines of raspberry bushes can be tricky, however; not enough, and the berries are inedible. Drip irrigation for raspberries is recommended, as it delivers water directly to the roots of the plants. Keep in mind, many parts of the country have restrictions on water usage. During dry weather and droughts, extra watering may be necessary to sustain raspberry plants. This method works best for firm berries like strawberries, blueberries, and blackberries. Plant new raspberry bushes in soil that is well-drained; preferably in a raised bed or "hill" to avoid water sitting on the roots and rotting the bush from underground, recommends The Ohio State University Extension. Apply an all-purpose fertilizer (16-16-8, 10-10-10, or 20-20-20) the first year and ammonium sulfate every year thereafter. It is less wasteful, and you can even use something like a soaker hose to water several raspberry plants at once. Plant raspberry canes 45cm apart with 1.8m between rows, in moist but well-drained, fertile soil. I water my raspberries, with a drip system (always a drip system in my garden), every three or four days, VERY DEEP. Select a spot in full sun with rich, well-drained soil. For over 200 years, Stark Bro's has helped people around America provide delicious home-grown food for their families. On soils that are not well drained, do not apply mulch too thickly, as this can lead to root diseases of raspberries. Be sure to adhere to your county or state’s restrictions when watering your raspberry plants, and contact your local department in charge of water usage for more information. They will do okay without tons of it, but there is no way you will get the size and taste of berries that you should be getting.