Dogwood - planting and care in a summer cottage

Dogwood is one of the most undemanding shrubs. It doesn't require special soil selection for cultivation, and it tolerates frost and drought well. However, like any plant, it still requires attention.

How to plant dogwood

The best place for a shrub is the edge of the plot. You should set it back about four meters from there. If the soil is fertile, black soil – There should be at least 5-6 meters of space between trees. In poorer soil, they can be planted a little closer – 4 meters. Shrubs grown too close soon become so large that the crowns block the sun from reaching the fruit, which affects their ripening.

Dogwood is planted in prepared soil in early spring, before the buds have opened. If weather conditions are favorable, this can also be done in the fall, but only during the first half. The seedlings need to be well watered and hilled up. This will ensure the plant takes root well and survives the winter. The hole in which you plan to plant the dogwood should be 80-100 cm in diameter and about 80 cm deep. It's a good idea to add organic plant food. Water at a rate of up to 40 liters per bush. Don't forget to prune the shoots to balance the above-ground and root portions.

How to care for dogwood

There are no specific instructions regarding this. The shrub, like any other plant, requires timely watering, fertilizing, and weeding. Light shade is beneficial for dogwood growth. Fertilizing young seedlings with phosphorus and potassium fertilizers is recommended.

The first ones are perfect for autumn feeding, and the second ones – for spring feeding.

For a better harvest, the shrub needs to be lightly pruned in the first few years to shape the crown. The trunk of the seedlings should be 50-70 cm tall and have about six main branches. Lower shoots should be removed. Subsequent pruning should only target broken and intertwined branches.

What does dogwood need for effective growth?

Although this plant is undemanding, it thrives best in soils with a light texture. A south or southwest exposure, where the soil receives even warmth and light, is an excellent choice.

This will help the dogwood develop strong roots. Groundwater should be at least one and a half meters away. The soil must contain calcium.

To ensure good pollination, it's recommended to plant several varieties at once. For propagation, use green cuttings.

Useful properties of dogwood

The beneficial properties of this fruit are too numerous to list at once, but we will focus on the most basic ones.

This plant is one of the highest in vitamin C. The fruit also contains glucose, fructose, organic acids, pectin, essential oil, magnesium, potassium, and calcium. It can be eaten raw or used in various dishes, including jams, compotes, fruit drinks, wine, liqueurs, and as a seasoning.

Dogwood's unique composition makes it an antibacterial and antifungal agent. In medicine, it is considered an excellent aid in combating gastrointestinal diseases. For this purpose, tinctures are made with the berries and leaves, or the fruits are ground with honey. Dogwood jelly is an excellent remedy for diarrhea in children.

This plant also treats skin, liver, and kidney diseases, colds, and urinary tract problems. If diabetics follow the recommendations for drinking dogwood juice, they will notice a significant improvement in their well-being. Suffering from headaches? You should brew dogwood berries and make poultices from the decoction.

This same remedy will cure problematic joints. The common cold also fears the fruits of this shrub, as in addition to its other beneficial properties, it is also an excellent antipyretic and anti-inflammatory agent.

Even if you don't need the "medical" help of dogwood, plant it in your garden. It's easy to care for, and you'll be able to regularly replenish your body's supply of vitamins and other essential nutrients.
Growing your own bush is much more practical and economical than buying ripe fruit at the market or store. This way, you can be sure of its quality.

You can also find out on our website, How to grow an oak tree from an acorn at home.