- The first spring fertilization of raspberries is crucial for their growth and fruiting.
- Choose fertilizers rich in nitrogen, potassium and phosphorus that will stimulate plants to come to life.
- Discover a proven, home-made way to nourish raspberries with nettle slurry, which will give them a healthy start to the season!
The first raspberry fertilization of the season
. It is responsible for the growth processes and faster formation of leaves and buds. . This last element is especially a characteristic ingredient of spring fertilizers. It supports the development of leaves and intensifies and prolongs the flowering and fruiting period. Fertilizers containing nitrogen should be used no later than August. Later, it should be abandoned so as not to artificially extend the vegetation period of the plants.
Raspberries are one of the most demanding fruit plants in the garden. In order for them to bloom and bear fruit properly, they must be provided with appropriate conditions and protection against pests. During the growing season, raspberries are most susceptible to attacks by aphids, as well as fungal diseases such as rust, gray mold and powdery mildew.
One of the strengthening procedures before the start of the season is fertilization. Gardeners indicate that the first dose of fertilizer should be delivered in March, when the ground thaws and the shoots begin to develop. At this time, nitrogen is needed to stimulate growth, as well as potassium and phosphorus to stimulate the root and stem systems.
How to fertilize raspberries in March?
During this time, it can use nitrogen-rich fertilizers such as ammonium nitrate or manure. You can also prepare a simple and effective nettle fertilizer. Nettles are rich in nitrogen, potassium, iron and other microelements that are necessary for healthy plant development. Just collect fresh nettles (without seeds), cut them into smaller pieces and pour water in a plastic bucket (the proportions are approximately 1 kg of nettles per 10 liters of water). The whole mixture should be set aside for about 2-3 weeks in a shaded place, stirring regularly. This will create a smelly but extremely valuable slurry. Before use, dilute it with water in a ratio of 1:10 and water the raspberries at the base of the bushes, preferably every 2-3 weeks, until flowering. Such a natural conditioner will not only strengthen the plants, but also improve the soil structure.