How to protect gooseberries from diseases and increase yield: here's what you need to do in spring

Gooseberries are susceptible to attack by a number of pests and are vulnerable to many diseases.

Smart gardeners start the season with a few steps that help protect the bush from insects and pathogens while increasing yields.

Putting things in order

In the fall, many people cover the bushes with leaves, hay, straw, or simply hill them up to protect the roots from frost. In the spring, the mulch and soil are removed, freeing up the land. Thanks to this, the soil will dry out faster and it will be more difficult for pests to hide.

Trimming

Without this procedure, the yield drops significantly. The bush ages faster and gets sick more often. Sanitary pruning is especially important - removing old, diseased and damaged shoots. They will no longer give a normal harvest, but can cause the spread of infection.

First feeding

It is carried out during the period when the buds have awakened, but have not begun to open. The following options can be used as the first feeding.

1. Mineral fertilizers (saltpeter, urea).

2. Organic fertilizers (infusion of grass or mullein, rotted manure).

The essence of the first feeding is to saturate the gooseberry with nitrogen. Do not use fresh or poorly rotted manure. In this case, the plant roots may suffer.

Pest and disease control

Insecticides are used to protect bushes from pests. For example, the drug "Aktara" is suitable for both fruit and ornamental crops.

Fungicides are used to prevent diseases. Any copper-containing preparation will do. Such products are suitable for spring, since many of them work at temperatures from +5 °C.

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• 30 March 2023

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