Planting raspberries II
Once the wires are pulled across and fixed tautly between the eye bolts, use a spade to carefully dig out a 10cm (4in) deep trench along the line of the new row. It is best if you pile the soil to one side, as this makes it easier when you come to planting.
Untie the bundle of raspberry canes. The roots need to be kept moist by covering them with some damp hessian or cloth until you're ready to use each cane. Place one cane into the trench, spread the roots out and backfill the hole with soil. Use your heel to gently firm each plant in place.
Use a ruler or a stick cut to 40cm (15in) length to measure the distance between each cane before planting. Continue to plant all the canes in the same way until the whole row is in place.
After planting, encourage strong growth by pruning the canes to 25cm (10in), making a sloping cut just above a strong bud. In the spring, also mulch the row with compost, making sure this doesn't bury the canes. This will help to conserve moisture in the soil.