Keep weeds under control during the growing season. Weeds compete with plants for water, space and nutrients. Control them by either cultivating often or use a mulch to prevent their seeds from germinating. Add mulch each year as needed. Keep plants well-watered during the growing season, especially during dry spells. Plants need about 1-2" of rain per week during the growing season. It's best to water with a drip or trickle system that delivers water at low pressure at the soil level. If you water with overhead sprinklers, water early in the day so the foliage has time to dry off before evening, to minimize disease problems. Keep the soil moist but not saturated. In the spring, before leaves sprout, apply a granular fertilizer following the instructions on the label. Most new growth will come from the plant’s crown under the soil. Plants use a lot of energy in spring when growth begins, so do not let plants dry out. Remove all wild brambles near cultivated varieties to prevent virus diseases. Pruning Standard Raspberries: Do not prune the first year EXCEPT to remove dead, damaged or diseased wood. Each spring select 5 or 6 of the most vigorous new canes and cut them back to 30 inches tall. All other canes can be removed. Remove and destroy canes immediately after they fruit in their second summer. They will not bear again. Add a summer topping to encourage side shoots off the canes to the pruning done in early spring and after harvest. Pinch back 3-4 inches off shoots up to 2 inches tall. Pruning Everbearing Raspberries: Do not prune the first year EXCEPT to remove dead, damaged or diseased wood.