To increase honeysuckle yield, gardeners resort to various tricks. Expert advice and proper care will help you harvest more berries. Only in this case can one count on a large harvest.
Reasons for poor yields
A single honeysuckle bush growing in the garden produces approximately 1-1.5 kg of berries. However, if basic farming practices are followed, many varieties can boast a rich yield of 3-7 kg per plant.
The harvest may be poor for the following reasons:
- The planting location was chosen incorrectly – honeysuckle is a light-loving plant, so it needs good lighting at all times.
- Insufficient pollination - the crop is cross-pollinated, so planting must be cross-pollinated, and there must be a lot of pollinating insects.
- Incorrect watering – the plant does not tolerate stagnant moisture in the roots and excessively dry soil.
- High soil acidity - the shrub will only grow well in neutral soil with a slightly acidic reaction.
- Excessive nitrogen fertilizer—a high nitrogen content—causes all of the honeysuckle's energy to be directed toward the growth of new shoots. As a result, ovaries fail to form.
These problems are common not only among beginners but also among experienced gardeners. This is why they fail to harvest many berries.
How to harvest a large amount of honeysuckle
To ensure a good honeysuckle harvest, you need to not only provide the bush with proper care but also follow certain rules. Experts have developed some recommendations that, if followed, will help you harvest a bountiful harvest.
- Choose the right crop variety. Only high-yielding varieties will yield a high yield. You can plant a regular seedling, but in this case, no amount of agricultural management can guarantee the desired result;
- Ensure good cross-pollination. Since honeysuckle is a plant that pollinates well and rarely produces a large harvest from a single variety, several varieties should be planted nearby;
- Attract pollinating insects to the plot. The yield of this crop depends on the effectiveness of fruit set, which is influenced by weather conditions and pollinating insects during the flowering period. To attract them, spray all berry plantings at the beginning of flowering with a solution of sugar or honey at a rate of 2 tablespoons per bucket of water. Repeat this procedure 2-3 times.
- Choose the right planting location. Honeysuckle thrives in full sun, so it should be planted in a sunny, open area. It's best if the area is protected from the wind by taller trees or structures. The yield will be low if honeysuckle is placed in shade or partial shade, as the plant will be stunted and bud formation will be impaired.
- Avoid dense crowns. Honeysuckle is characterized by the formation of numerous shoots, causing the bush to quickly become dense. Annual spring pruning to thin out the branches will help prevent this. This will allow bumblebees to easily reach the center of the planting and pollinate it. However, this procedure should only be performed 4-5 years after planting.
- Preparing the hole and planting correctly. The shrub is undemanding and can grow in any type of soil, but a large number of berries will only be harvested if the crop is grown in light, fertile, and breathable soil;
- Watering during fruit ripening. In May and June, honeysuckle should be watered thoroughly 4-6 times, with each bush requiring 40-50 liters of water. Afterward, mulch the soil;
- Protecting your crop from birds. Berries are a favorite food for birds, not just humans. To protect your fruit from them, use protective netting or other deterrents.
In addition, the plant needs to be fed. Both mineral and organic fertilizers are suitable for this purpose. Following these guidelines will help you reap a bountiful harvest of honeysuckle berries.
There are many ways to increase crop yield. The key is to follow the instructions and the advice of experts.
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