What is the first thing Raspberry lacks in the spring? We are growing large, juicy Berries this year

Growing raspberries, which gives 3-5 kg ​​of harvest from a bush, is not as easy as it seems. The complex of spring events is especially important for the berry grower. I will tell you how I take care of the raspberry tree annually in April-May, so that from 10 bushes I can fully provide my family with fresh berries and preparations for the winter.

Treatment against wintering pests

Immediately after the snow melts, I remove the debris accumulated on the soil surface - a source of fungal diseases and overwintered parasites. I water the raspberries with boiling water from a watering can with a nozzle for dispersing water from a distance of 1 m from the plant.

There is no need to be afraid to burn the bushes: while small drops reach the branches, they will have time to cool down to t + 60˚C and cannot damage the buds. Hot showers are harmful to insect pests and their larvae. On average, a 5 liter watering can is enough for 2-3 bushes.

Raspberry pruning

I carry out the procedure when the soil dries out slightly, and the air temperature reaches stable positive values:

· I cut out last year's shoots at ground level;

· Remove weak growth;

I cut off the frozen shoots to the first living bud;

· I shorten healthy stems by 15-20 cm, this stimulates the formation of 3-6 lateral branches and increases the number of ovaries.

In large bushes, healthy stems have to be cut out, leaving no more than 6-8 shoots. Thinned plants produce larger berries.

Soil care

Raspberries have a branched superficial root system at a depth of 20-30 cm. In the spring, I remove the weeds that have appeared, gently loosen the soil, trying not to damage the roots.

If the soil is dry, I water it. Adding mulch to the raspberry tree immediately solves several problems:

· Protects the roots of the berry from recurrent frosts;

· Prevents the formation of soil crust, reduces moisture evaporation, prevents the growth of weeds;

· Serves as an additional source of nutrients.

As mulch, you can use compost and humus, straw, sawdust and even thin branches of wild plants.

Top dressing

In the spring, I water raspberries with a solution of a complex mineral nitrogen-containing fertilizer (nitrophobic) and add under each bush a glass of ash, which deoxidizes the soil and serves as a source of valuable minerals and trace elements.

After 2 weeks, I feed the bushes with an infusion of chicken droppings in a ratio of 1:20 or mullein 1:10. All top dressing is applied before mulching the soil.

The measures taken serve as a guarantee of a plentiful harvest of fragrant and healthy berries.