What you need to know.
Raspberries are harder than they look in Zone 7b. It gets too hot too fast. But if you pick the right variety and give them afternoon shade, they reward you. This page has everything that actually matters — what I plant, when I plant it, the three things I'd tell you if you asked me in person, and the recipe I make at the end of the season.
"If you only remember one thing from this guide, remember: heritage is the nc-tough variety to beat. plant that one."
What I'd tell you in person.
Heritage is the NC-tough variety to beat. Plant that one.
Prune the canes that already fruited — leave the new green ones.
Wet leaves = disease. Water the ground, not the plant.
The timing.
Plant: Plant bare-root in winter.
Harvest: Summer or fall.
Days: 1st year.
In Zone 7b (Apex, NC) that usually means I start paying attention around the last frost date — April 15th is the rule of thumb around here. Your dates will be different. Use the zone finder to figure out yours.
What I do with them.
Every year I try to cook more of what I grow. Browse the recipes page for what I actually make with my raspberries.