Caring for raspberry bushes, especially after harvesting, is crucial for their continued health and productivity. Different types of raspberries, such as summer and remontant varieties, require specific care to thrive and yield well throughout the season.
Summer Raspberry Varieties:
After harvesting, focus on pruning and feeding to support growth:
Pruning: Immediately trim excess shoots, leaving 8-10 young and thick ones at ground level. Remove and burn the cut shoots to prevent disease.
Feeding: Apply organic fertilizers such as manure (5 kg per sq. m.), compost (4-5 kg), peat (5 kg), and wood ash (100 gr per sq. m.). Additionally, apply mineral fertilizers such as potassium (40 g per bush) and superphosphate (50 g per bush) after digging up the raspberries.
Watering: Provide adequate water, approximately 30-40 liters per adult bush and 15-20 liters per young bush, once every 7 days. Cease watering before the onset of frost.
Spraying: Protect against pests and diseases by spraying with a 1% Bordeaux mixture twice in August, spaced 14 days apart. Mulching can also be beneficial.
Remontant Raspberry Varieties:
These raspberries fruit on both old and new shoots, requiring specific care:
Pruning: Cut remontant raspberries down to ground level to maintain their fruiting capabilities.
Feeding: In autumn, use a mineral complex fertilizer labeled “Autumn” (50-60 g per bush) as these raspberries do not need additional organic fertilizers rich in nitrogen.
Watering: Water remontant raspberries weekly with ample water. Before the first frosts, ensure bushes are well-watered and mulched with materials like straw or sawdust to protect the roots.
Spraying: Remove plant residues and treat root circles with recommended insecticides like Aktellik, Intavir, or Fufanon. Use a 1% solution of iron or copper sulfate to prevent lichen and moss growth, following package instructions carefully.
By following these tailored care instructions for each raspberry variety, you can ensure vigorous growth, disease prevention, and a fruitful harvest season after season. Happy gardening and may your raspberries thrive!
