What you shouldn't fertilize raspberries with: mistakes and tips for gardeners

Raspberries are a favorite crop of many gardeners, which requires special care to obtain a rich harvest.

However, the wrong fertilizers can seriously harm plants.

An expert of the online publication "BelNovosti", agronomist and landscape designer Anastasia Kovrizhnykh told what should not be used to fertilize raspberries in order to avoid common mistakes and ensure the correct development of the bushes.

Use of fresh manure

Fresh manure often attracts gardeners with its availability and naturalness, but for raspberries it can become a real threat.

Fresh manure contains a high concentration of ammonia and other aggressive substances that can burn plant roots.

In addition, it may contain weed seeds and pathogens, which will lead to soil contamination and reduced crop yields.

It is better to use rotted manure, which has already decomposed and become safe for plants.

Mineral fertilizers with high chlorine content

Mineral fertilizers containing chlorine, such as potassium chloride, are not suitable for raspberries.

Chlorine has a negative effect on the root system, slows growth and reduces fruiting.

Raspberries prefer potassium fertilizers that do not contain chlorine, such as potassium sulfate.

Choosing the right mineral fertilizers will help maintain plant health and increase their yield.

Nitrogen fertilizers in large quantities

Nitrogen fertilizers are necessary for plant growth, but too much can harm raspberries.

Excessive amounts of nitrogen lead to rapid growth of greenery at the expense of fruiting.

As a result, raspberry bushes become too dense, which impairs air circulation and increases the risk of disease.

It is important to maintain a balance and apply nitrogen fertilizers in moderation, especially early in the season.

Compost with high organic content

Compost is an excellent fertilizer for raspberries, but not all compost is suitable for this crop.

Compost that contains large amounts of organic waste, such as kitchen scraps or undecomposed plant matter, can become a source of pathogens and pests.

Such compost must be carefully processed and kept for a certain period of time to avoid negative consequences for raspberries.

Acidic fertilizers

Raspberries prefer slightly acidic or neutral soil.

Using acidic fertilizers such as sulfuric acid or acetic acid can greatly lower the soil pH, which will negatively affect plants.

Acidic soil prevents the absorption of nutrients and impairs the growth of raspberries.

To maintain optimal pH levels, liming or adding wood ash should be used.

Fertilizers with high phosphorus content

Phosphorus fertilizers are important for the root system, but excess phosphorus can harm raspberries.

Excessive amounts of phosphorus block the absorption of other important elements such as iron and zinc, leading to deficiencies of these substances and deterioration of plant health.

It is important to apply phosphorus fertilizers in reasonable doses and monitor the balance of microelements in the soil.

Use of undiluted chemical fertilizers

Undiluted chemical fertilizers can cause burns to the roots and leaves of raspberries.

It is important to always dilute chemical fertilizers according to the instructions on the package and apply them evenly over the entire planting area.

This will help to avoid the concentration of aggressive substances in one place and ensure uniform nutrition of plants.

Frequent application of fertilizers

Frequent use of fertilizers can lead to the accumulation of salts in the soil, which negatively affects raspberries.

The accumulation of salts makes it difficult for plants to absorb water and nutrients, which leads to plant stunting and reduced yields.

It is recommended to adhere to a feeding schedule and avoid frequent use of fertilizers.

Applying fertilizers to dry soil

Applying fertilizer to dry soil can cause root burns and deterioration of the raspberry plant.

Before fertilizing, the soil must be well watered to create optimal conditions for the absorption of nutrients.

This will help avoid stress for the plants and ensure that they are evenly nourished.

Fertilizers with toxic substances

Some fertilizers may contain toxic substances such as heavy metals that are harmful to raspberries.

It is important to choose fertilizers from trusted manufacturers and carefully study their composition.

Toxic substances accumulate in the soil and plants, which can lead to deterioration of raspberry health and a decrease in the quality of the harvest.

Earlier we talked about fertilizers that make potatoes small and tasteless.