Raspberry pruning is a necessary procedure that promotes the growth of new shoots and increases the harvest. However, it is important to understand exactly when to do this procedure, as the wrong choice of season can damage the bushes.
Why is spring pruning of raspberries dangerous?
The highest crop of the traditional raspberry varieties is two -year shoots that need to be removed after harvest. In addition, pruning helps fight pests and diseases that can winter on old branches.
If you do not make pruning, raspberries will waste energy unnecessary shoots, which will weaken the plant.
Many gardeners mistakenly believe that spring pruning promotes better raspberry growth, but in reality it can do more harm than good.
Pruning in the spring is disrupted by the natural cycle of plant development, as the cropped branches begin to actively release new shoots rather than concentrate on harvesting. This significantly reduces the amount of berries and also opens the way for infections to penetrate through fresh incisions.
Spring pruning also increases the risk of lesion of young buds, which worsens the formation of circular twigs.
In addition, in the case of sudden temperature fluctuations, the incisions can be healing for a long time, causing the plant to be vulnerable to fungal diseases. That is why experienced gardeners recommend pruning at other times of the year.
When is it best to prune raspberries?
The optimal period of raspberry pruning is autumn when the plant ends the active phase of growth. This allows you to remove all old shoots that will no longer yield the harvest and prepare the shrub for wintering.
Pruning is usually done after the last berry collection, September or October, depending on the climatic conditions. Autumn helps reduce the number of pests that remain on the plant.
In addition, proper preparation of shrubs for frost promotes their active development in the spring, without unnecessary energy costs after pruning.
Thus, autumn pruning allows raspberries to adjust to the conditions of the new season and ensures stable harvest.
How to prune the raspberries correctly?
The raspberry pruning process consists of several stages that help maintain shrub health.
First you need to remove all old, matching branches, cutting them right at the roots.
Weak and damaged shoots must continue to be removed, which will not be able to yield a full harvest. Special attention should be paid to the branches of pests or diseases – they must be burned to prevent the spread of infections.
It is also important to thin the young shoots, leaving no more than 10-12 strong stems per square meter. Finally, the tops of the remaining shoots need to be shortened by 10-15 cm to activate the growth of the lateral twigs.
By following these rules, strong, healthy shrubs can be obtained, which will yield abundant yields.
Raspberry care after pruning
After pruning, raspberries need special care to recover faster and laid the foundations for future harvest.
First of all, you need to ensure enough nutrient levels by fertilizing the shrubs with compost, manure or mineral fertilizers.
It is also important to water abundantly, especially if the autumn was drought. It is recommended to mulch the soil around the bushes or straw, which will help to maintain moisture and protect the roots from the cold.
Plants can be sprayed with copper sulfate solution or special biological preparations to prevent disease development. With proper care of raspberries after pruning, they will begin to grow quickly in the spring and gifts abundant yields.
Photos associative © canva
Source: https://www.bc.ua/
