Many gardeners love to grow raspberries, but this berry has one drawback - it tends to grow too much, taking up more and more space on the plot and suppressing other plants.
How can we limit her appetites and keep the garden tidy?
One of the ways is to choose the right neighbors for raspberries, who will compete with them for food and moisture, and also protect them from pests and diseases.
Metlitsa
The raspberry is an annual herbaceous plant that is often considered a weed. But in the case of raspberries, it can be a useful helper.
The broom has a strong and branched root system, which prevents the growth of raspberry rhizomes.
In addition, the broom shields the soil from light and moisture evaporation, which raspberries also do not like. Broom can be sown between raspberry rows or along the perimeter of the raspberry patch.
Beans
Beans are a legume that goes well with raspberries. Beans enrich the soil with nitrogen, which stimulates the growth of the above-ground part of the raspberry, not the rhizomes.
Beans also repel some raspberry pests, such as bugs and aphids. Beans can be planted together with raspberries in the same or adjacent beds.
Sorrel
Sorrel is a leafy plant that has a sour taste and is used in cooking. Sorrel can also be a good neighbor for raspberries.
Sorrel releases acid into the soil, which acidifies it and creates optimal conditions for the growth of raspberries.
In addition, sorrel dulls the appetite of raspberries and slows their growth. Sorrel can be planted along the edges of a raspberry bed or in the spaces between the bushes.
Other plants
In addition to the plants listed, there are several other species that are well suited for growing next to raspberries.
Potato
It competes with raspberries for food and moisture, and also repels the Colorado potato beetle.
Strawberry
It creates a dense cover on the soil and prevents raspberries from spreading. Strawberries also attract beneficial pollinating insects.
Tomatoes
They enrich the soil with potassium and phosphorus, which are necessary for raspberry fruiting. Tomatoes also protect raspberries from spider mites.
So, you've learned about a few plants that can help keep raspberry bushes from growing in your yard.
These plants not only compete with raspberries for resources, but also provide them with favorable conditions for growth and fruiting.
In addition, they protect raspberries from various pests and diseases.
By choosing neighbors for raspberries, you can not only improve the berry harvest, but also diversify your garden and vegetable garden!
