November is considered the last month when gardeners can take care of raspberry bushes before the onset of winter.
Proper care during this period lays the foundation for the future harvest and helps plants successfully survive the cold season.
An expert of the online publication "BelNovosti", agronomist and landscape designer Anastasia Kovrizhnykh shared important recommendations.
Pruning raspberry bushes
The most important procedure is the removal of shoots that have borne fruit. Old stems are cut off at the root with sharp pruning shears.
Young shoots are shortened to a height of 1 meter, which contributes to better overwintering of plants. Diseased and damaged branches are removed completely.
Soil preparation
The soil around the bushes must be cleared of fallen leaves and weeds. The trunk circle is loosened to a depth of 10 centimeters without affecting the root system.
After loosening, mulching is carried out with peat or rotted sawdust in a layer of 5 centimeters.
Autumn feeding
Nutrients are added to the soil to strengthen the root system.
Phosphorus-potassium fertilizers are distributed around the perimeter of the bush at the rate of 40 grams of superphosphate and 30 grams of potassium sulfate per square meter. Compost or rotted manure is added once every three years.
Pest protection
Preventive treatment of raspberries against pests is carried out after leaf fall.
A solution of Bordeaux mixture or copper sulfate is sprayed on the stems and soil around the bushes.
This procedure prevents the development of fungal diseases and destroys wintering insects.
Shelter for the winter
The method of covering raspberries depends on the climate zone. In regions with severe winters, shoots are bent to the ground and fixed.
Spruce branches or agrofibre are laid on top. The snow cover serves as additional protection from frost.
Additional measures
Drainage canals are laid between the rows of raspberries to drain melt water. Shields are installed around the area to retain snow.
Young bushes are additionally hilled with soil to a height of 20 centimeters to protect the root collar.
Expert: Anastasia Kovrizhnykh
