In the spring, raspberries are waking up, leaning into the sun, allowing new shoots and preparing for a rich harvest. However, in order for raspberry shrubs to delight a handful of berries, but with a large harvest, it is necessary to give them everything they need in a timely manner.
Spring fertilization of raspberries
In April, when the raspberries are waking up and starting to allow young shoots, they need a nutritional fertilization.
The best option is complex fertilizer, such as azofoscope: two matchboxes per square meter. They need to be inserted during the buds of the buds – just sprinkled between rows or throughout the area if the raspberry grows with a continuous tape.
After that, be sure to insert the fertilizer into the ground to avoid evaporating. Such fertilization will help raspberries grow strong stems and lush leaves – it is not worth dreaming about the harvest.
Spring raspberry pruning
Ideal for pruning raspberries in the autumn, but if you didn’t, grab a secator in April. First, remove all two -year shoots – they have already been harvesting and are now bothering. They are easy to recognize by a large number of side twigs.
Then shorten the tops of annual shoots 10-20 cm, which promotes branching, and it is the rings and berries that appear on the side twigs.
In May, young offspring begin to grow actively. Part of the strongest leave – they will yield the harvest next year, and the remaining ruthlessly cut out.
How many young shoots leave?
You don’t think the more shoots – the better. The excess greenery only degrades the shrub and the yield decreases. All you have to do is leave strong, vibrant shoots and the rest under the knife.
Focus on the age of raspberry:
- 3-4 shoots are left in the 2nd year after planting
- 3-5-6
- In the 4s-8-10
- from the age of 5 to 12
This will give you both a high quality harvest and a healthy, non -growing bush. Remember: Raspberries like space and light, not jungle shrubs.
Is it worth using “folk” fertilizers?
banana bark, egg shells and other kitchen residues – not a magical panacea for your raspberries. The benefits of them are like a cat tears, and here can be a lot of harm.
Such waste often provokes rot, fungi and even the influx of pests.
If you do not want to lose a harvest for doubtful experiments, do not risk it. The effectiveness of such methods is almost zero and the lost time can cost raspberry health. It is better to use proven fertilizers and protective measures immediately.
How to mulch raspberries?
Spring mulch is a true gift for the roots. Organic mulch (fallow, compost, biohumus, hay or straw) retains moisture, protects the soil from overheating and gradually nourishes plants. The optimum layer thickness is 4-6 cm.
Mulch also retains weeds that can take away raspberry nutrients. But most importantly, it creates a microclimate where the roots feel great.
So, if you want raspberries to not only survive but also give a lot of harvest, don’t waste time on the seedlings.
Photos associative © canva
Source: https://www.bc.ua/