Raspberry roots - Ask Extension
How deep do raspberry roots go in Minnesota? To keep my basement less wet, I'm considering placing membrane sloped away from the foundation undergrou...
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Raspberry roots #889608
Asked November 10, 2024, 10:33 AM EST
How deep do raspberry roots go in Minnesota? To keep my basement less wet, I'm considering placing membrane sloped away from the foundation underground. I want to go deep enough to prevent common plants from pushing through it. We grow raspberries along the sides of the house. I know native Minnesota plants can grow roots over 10 feet deep, so I cannot plan for that. I have 3 different basement contractors say I cannot simply dig next to the foundation and place waterproofing there because the 100+ year old foundation would not survive - its fine if left alone. I'm open to other design considerations. Feel free to direct me to any other resources.
Ramsey County Minnesota
Expert Response
Hi Daniel,
From the University of Minnesota:
”Raspberries need lots of water from spring until after harvest. Because the root system is in the top two feet of soil, watering regularly is better than an occasional deep soaking. Raspberries need 1 to 1.5 inches of water per week from flowering until harvest.”
Hope this helps.
Thanks. I read that as "setup a rain barrel with a soaker hose". Then water the plants regularly.
Hi Daniel,
Now you’re asking a different question. I thought the raspberries were already growing there.
The recommendation is to put new plants at least three feet from the foundation. Over time raspberries will send up suckers and try to grow closer to the house. You should stop that while letting them spread away from the house.
Good luck.
