The awakening of berry bushes from hibernation will be marked by the beginning of sap flow in the trunk and branches; this process occurs before the buds swell. In this regard, spring care of berry bushes should begin even before active sap flow begins.
Assessment of condition after winter
Spring care begins as soon as the snow melts and the ground dries out. At this time, it is necessary to carefully examine the bushes for damage, assess the condition of the trunk and branches, root system, and areas of pest or disease damage. If damaged shoots or swollen buds are found, they must be removed.
The branches are cleared of last year's leaves. The soil around is also cleared of fallen leaves, loosened, and sprinkled with ash. Leaves and debris are burned. These measures are aimed at preventing plant infection by pests and microorganisms.
Sanitary pruning
During the pruning process, a crown is formed, old and infected shoots are removed. Pruning is completed before active sap flow begins, preferably no later than three weeks before the buds swell. The largest yield is produced by annual shoots, which are characterized by their small thickness and a distance of 15 cm between the buds.
Spring feeding
The first spring fertilizing with nitrogen is applied to moist soil at the rate of 15 grams of fertilizer per 1 square meter.The soil around the trunk is loosened and covered with a layer of rotted compost, which helps retain moisture, reduce the number of weeds and protect against pest larvae and rodents.
Protection from diseases and pests
To protect the shrubs, they are sprayed with a solution of insecticides or fungicides. Treatment is carried out before the buds begin to swell. As a rule, they begin to process shrubs as soon as the temperature rises consistently above zero degrees. It is better to carry out processing in dry, sunny and slightly frosty weather.
Tying up shoots
The branches of berry bushes are tied to prevent infection by microorganisms living in the soil, to ensure better ripening of berries, and to facilitate care. There are different ways of tying:
- The single frame method involves driving four pegs into the ground around the bush and connecting them with planks to form a square. The branches of the bush are tied to the slats.
- Trellis garters are horizontal crossbars to which shoots of shrubs are tied.
- The stake method consists of driving a tall stake into the ground in the center of the bush, to which the branches of the bush are tied.
It is important to comply with the timing and technology of each agricultural activity, to use high-quality fertilizers and chemicals for treatment against pests and diseases. Timely implementation of a set of spring care measures for berry bushes will ensure a rich and tasty harvest in summer and autumn.
