How to properly care for raspberries in the spring to get a good harvest

So, how do you care for raspberries in the spring to ensure a good harvest? We'll explore this in detail in our article.

Planting raspberries

The first week of March is the most optimal time for proper plant care. Planting berries follows specific guidelines. The following factors influence the effectiveness of germination and ripening:

1. The effectiveness of the planting material. It's important to remember that young plants should be strong and vigorous. The roots should be fibrous, no more than 16 cm long.

2. The site must meet the plant's primary needs. Berries thrive in moist soil with a high clay or sandstone content. A high organic content is also important. The plant should be protected from radiation and even the slightest wind. Caring for raspberries after harvesting must be carried out correctly.

3. Properly cultivate the soil before planting raspberries. Regardless of the planting method, the soil is fertilized with all the necessary components. This way, the raspberries will grow much faster and more efficiently. Also, don't forget to water the plants after planting.

4. Optimal planting time. Raspberries are planted approximately between March and April, before the growing season begins. However, timing may vary depending on the climate in a given region.

Proper pruning and tying of plants

One of the most important steps in spring plant care is removing dead shoots. The plant should be pruned in several stages. Many gardeners wonder how to properly care for raspberries in the spring to ensure a good harvest. At the very beginning, it's important to prune shoots that are unsuitable for germinating and ripening berries. These shoots are typically those that won't survive frost or are old and weakened. If shoots are regularly damaged, they should be pruned back to healthy buds.

Additionally, spring pruning involves removing the upper shoots up to 15 cm. This process favorably influences the development of lateral buds. Sometimes, the upper stems are shortened after the plant is tied to a stake.

After pruning, there should be approximately 5-7 shoots left on the plant with the bush method of germination, and about 19 stems with the tape type of planting.

Once the bushes have been cleared, it's time to begin tying up the plants. This process is also performed before the buds open. Therefore, it's important to know how to care for raspberries in the spring to ensure a good harvest. Tying up can be done using several methods.

Bush. In this case, a small stick should be placed in the middle of the plant and the shoot should be tied to it. Gardeners also prefer to use sticks or small metal rods. The tying is done at varying heights. This ensures that all shoots receive adequate sunlight. It is also necessary caring for strawberries after harvesting.

The trellis method. This method is popular when planting using trenching. To use a trellis, install two posts and stretch several wire lines between them at a height of about 1 m. The plant shoots should be tied to the wires with strong thread.

Proper care

In addition to pruning and tying the bush, spring care includes soil cultivation and fertilizing. These processes are repeated several times, depending on the need. Furthermore, fertilizing the plant should be carefully combined with loosening the soil and watering.

Loosening the soil is generally done in conjunction with removing dry stems and debris. Raspberry soil is cultivated in early spring. Between bushes, the soil is loosened to a depth of 14 cm, and in rows to a depth of 9 cm. It's important not to overdo the digging, as this can damage the plant's rhizomes.

After this process is complete, the soil should be mulched. Peat moss (up to 8 cm thick) and straw (up to 16 cm thick) are used for this purpose, as well as compost, sawdust, and other synthetic-based materials. It is crucial that the mulch layer be more than 5 cm thick.

Bush irrigation is carried out according to the plant's needs. Raspberries react sharply to excess moisture, especially during germination and ripening. Watering is done in furrows located immediately adjacent to the bushes. Drip irrigation is the best option. The overall amount should be reduced by properly mulching the area. However, the video will provide a clearer explanation of how to care for raspberries in the spring to ensure a good harvest.

Fertilizing plants in spring

To achieve a high yield, the plant must receive sufficient nutrients. Therefore, many gardeners and horticulturists use various fertilizers for effective nutrition. Raspberries should be fertilized initially in April, when the soil is saturated with various components and fertilizers. Typically, nitrogen-based fertilizers are used at a rate of 80-100 g/m². Compost or humus should also be added daily at a rate of approximately 5 kg/m².

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When ovary formation begins and flower growth is poor, use superphosphate-based fertilizers, ammonium nitrate, and potassium salt. Occasionally, the plant should be fertilized with liquid fertilizers. For example, chicken manure or mullein diluted in water at a ratio of 1:5 and 1:10 can be used. As the growing season begins, such fertilizers should be applied several times. Every gardener should know how to care for raspberries in the spring to ensure a good harvest (photo below)!

Plant treatment against possible diseases

As soon as the growing season begins, gardeners should begin treating raspberries. To prevent rot, the roots should be lightly dipped in a special solution. To prevent leaf spot, Bordeaux mixture should be used. The specific treatments are selected based on the plant's infestation: powdery mildew, spider mites, and other pests.

The most common pests are the stem fly and the raspberry beetle. The larvae of these insects destroy leaves. To effectively combat these pests, use specialized phosphorus-potassium-based products and solutions. Knowing how to care for raspberries in the spring ensures a good harvest: photos and videos from experienced gardeners.

Beetles typically lay their eggs on open flowers, so you should remove them yourself.

To achieve a high yield, it's important to use as few specialized products as possible. Therefore, it's best to fertilize the plant and water it regularly. However, those who do use products must adhere to the application period. For example, it's strictly forbidden to apply them during flowering. This will negatively impact a bountiful harvest, as the larvae involved in pollination also die along with the insect pests.

Proper care of the berry during the spring will not only bring good harvest, but will also create favorable conditions for the propagation of raspberries and the production of new berries.