How to plant raspberries in spring
With the onset of warm spring days, many summer residents are thinking about expanding their garden or, conversely, creating something new. Raspberries are a shrub that can be found in many home gardens. This is explained by the fact that the plant does not require special care and is not whimsical to weather conditions. However, despite this fact, at planting raspberries you should know some rules and pay attention to seemingly minor nuances. They will help preserve the harvest and avoid unexpected surprises, such as the death of seedlings. So, let's talk about everything important in order.
Planting dates for raspberries
Novice gardeners sometimes ask themselves: "When to plant raspberries?" There are many opinions on this today: some say that it should be done in spring, others in autumn. There is no single correct option, however, it has been noticed that in spring the bush seedlings take root better.
According to the advice of experienced gardeners, the best option for planting a plant is mid-April - early May, when the buds have not yet blossomed on the trees.
It is necessary to plant in the above-mentioned time period, because the summer heat is not yet on the street, and the soil has the moisture necessary for plants. If you plant a shrub a little later, then there is a high probability that it will not take root and the merciless rays of the sun will destroy it, and if earlier, then it may die due to frost.
Choosing a place for the future raspberry tree
IMPORTANT! In the area where raspberries will grow, rainwater should not accumulate. The shrub develops slowly from an excess of moisture, the fruits are small. Also, this culture does not tolerate the proximity of groundwater.
Preparing the soil for raspberries
It is believed that raspberries are not a capricious crop and grows in almost any soil. However, it is still necessary to carry out some manipulations with the land. In particular, a little is added to holes or trenches ash and humus. The nutrient layer should be about 10 cm thick. If there is no humus, then dry foliage or grass can be used instead.
The main ways of planting raspberries
There are three methods of planting raspberries: trenches, cuttings and seedlings. To understand the differences, we will give a general description of each of the above methods.
- Trench method. Based on the name, it becomes clear that this method is based on digging a certain size of a trench. Its depth should be about 40 cm, and its width is a little more - 50-55 cm. A nutrient layer is laid out at the bottom of the dug hole, which may consist of manure mixed with the ground, leaves, branches and grass. A kind of litter gives a huge advantage: it feeds the roots of plants for a long time. A layer of earth must be covered on top of the nutrient cushion (this allows you to start the decay process).
Planting by cuttings. The stalk is a root offspring that appears in the aisles of the raspberry tree literally after 2 or 3 years. They are carefully dug up and planted. The method is quite versatile; most gardeners use it.- Planting seedlings. This method is almost identical to the previous one. True, seedlings are used as planting material.
We purchase planting material
You can buy planting material in special nurseries or agricultural markets. The price category is different, it directly depends on the variety and age of the seedling. On average, the cost is 200-300 rubles for one young bush.
When choosing, you should pay attention to the root system. It must be powerful (have many branches). Otherwise, the plant can take root for a very long time.
We make calculations: basic schemes for planting raspberries
In order for raspberry bushes to develop well, you need to know the correct planting scheme. Basically, a formula proven over the years is used: the distance between the rows should be approximately 1 m.20 cm., And between the bushes - 20 cm.
As for the planting depth, it depends on the chosen method. If the seedlings are planted in holes, then a depth of 20 cm is sufficient, and if in a trench, then at least 40 cm.
Raspberry: basic care after planting
- Watering. Raspberries do not need constant watering, except at the initial stage (after planting). During this period, you need to water the plant once every 2-3 days. Subsequently, raspberries will have enough precipitation.
- Mulching. One must not forget to periodically mulch the soil around the shrub (spread dry grass). This helps to retain moisture.
- Weeding and loosening. At the initial stage, when the raspberry bush has just been planted and has not yet gained strength, you need to make sure that there are no weeds around the plantings. Also, experienced gardeners recommend to loosen the soil in the hole from time to time, this will allow the roots to "breathe".
- Pruning. When the transplanted raspberry grows, you need to prune the plant. This is necessary so that the bush stops growing upward and begins to start up side shoots (branches).
We add, whatever method you choose for planting raspberries, sooner or later it will have to be transplanted to another place. If a shrub constantly grows in only one area, it will cease to bear fruit.
Experienced gardeners recommend changing the location of the raspberry tree every 5 years.
In general, even a novice gardener can have a well-groomed raspberry tree in his garden. The main thing is to choose a good planting material and know the basic rules for caring for this plant.