All about pruning raspberries in spring

Raspberries are classified as biennial plants. In the first year of life, shoots are actively formed on the bushes, which will bear fruit next year. After that, they must be removed. It is worth noting that pruning old raspberry branches can be carried out both in autumn and spring. Given the importance of thinning bushes, many novice gardeners are eager to learn everything about this procedure. Special attention is paid to sanitary pruning, as well as pinching the tops of common and black raspberries after winter. The main thing is to know exactly when and how to do it correctly.

It is no secret that the completeness and quality of the spring complex of works will directly determine the yield of the grown bushes. It is for this reason that it is important to study all the features of such a component of caring for raspberries as pruning them in the spring. The quality and volume of the future harvest depends on how timely and correctly it is possible to thin out the plants.

In practice, things are different, since it is often possible to collect a record number of large berries even from the most compact, but well-processed bush. At the same time, simply trimming the raspberries will not be enough. By the way, such an irresponsible approach can have extremely negative consequences.

The main goals of spring pruning of raspberry bushes.

1. Optimal distribution of nutrients for their concentration on fruiting. It's no secret that weakened and young branches take away a significant part of energy and moisture.

2. Ensuring maximum comfort when caring for a raspberry tree. The undeniable fact is that it is much more difficult to process dense thickets than neat, thinned and tied bushes.

3. Creation of comfortable conditions for harvesting as it ripens. This includes searching for berries, which are much more noticeable on treated plants.

4. Maximum yield increase. All nutrients saved by removing unnecessary shoots and branches are sent to fruiting.

5. Improving the appearance, size and taste of the berries themselves. This is primarily due to sufficient lighting, moisture and nutrition.

6. Minimizing the risks of occurrence and development of plant diseases. It is no secret that the fungus and viruses are actively spreading in dense bushes, affecting the maximum of bushes in record time. This is facilitated by the constant and close contact of the shoots, as well as poor air access and low ventilation of such thickets.

7. Significant decline in pest populations in raspberry fields... Thinning facilitates sanitization and also prevents insect-friendly conditions.

8. Security effective illumination of plants and developing fetuses, as well airing.

During early spring pruning of raspberries, it is necessary to rid the bushes of the following branches:

• old ones that will no longer bear fruit;

• damaged;

• infected with diseases and pests;

• weak and overly thin;

• frozen in winter;

• young, forming on the root system of the plant.

In the process of thinning raspberries, only the strongest and completely healthy shoots should be left. Otherwise, you should not count on a rich and high-quality harvest.

The described procedure must be carried out in a timely manner. As practice shows, even seemingly insignificant deviations from the optimal timing negatively affect the productivity of the bushes.

The approximate time frame within which pruning begins in the regions of the Russian Federation is as follows:

• Krasnodar Territory and other southern regions - the beginning of April (under favorable conditions, it is possible from the end of March);

• middle lane, including the Moscow region, - end of April;

• Ural - early May;

• Far East and Siberia - mid-May.

Another determining factor is the actual weather conditions. It is important to remember that if the column of the thermometer does not rise above zero, then it is impossible to trim the raspberries.... All the necessary work is carried out after the sap flow begins, until the appearance of new shoots. It is highly undesirable to delay thinning to the active stage of the growing season. In such cases, raspberries are much more painful to endure branch separation, and the cuts take longer to heal, which increases the risk of infection.

It is worth noting that they have long appreciated the importance of the phases of this celestial body in terms of caring for plants of various species. Based on this, many people prefer to prune raspberry bushes on the following days:

• April - 6, 11, 12, 18, as well as 19 and 24 to 30 inclusive;

• May - 2, 7, 12, 17 and 20, as well as from 25 to 28 inclusive, 30 and 31.

As long-term practice shows, the processing of plants on these dates allows you to exclude painful reactions to pruning. In parallel, the vegetation process is activated, and the "dormant" buds wake up faster. In accordance with the same calendar, it is not recommended to trim raspberries:

• April 3, 4, 15, 17, as well as April 20 and 22;

• 1, 13 and 14, as well as 18, 19 and 29 May.

It is worth noting that on the listed days, in general, it is undesirable to perform any work, one way or another related to caring for plants... It is believed that this can cause a significant slowdown in growth and reduced yields.

The described procedure provides for the presence of a certain inventory. Its list is as simple as possible and includes:

• garden knife;

• lopper;

• secateurs;

• gloves.

It is important that all tools used are well and correctly sharpened. In parallel, attention should be paid to disinfection. The thickest and strongest branches are removed with a lopper.

The garden knife is designed to remove the tops of the shoots.

The basic rules for pruning include several important points.

1. The main factor in determining the number of shoots left is the method of growing raspberries.... With trench and bush options, this figure is 10 and 5-6 branches, respectively.

2. It is necessary to take into account the air temperature, and most importantly, the probability of so-called return frosts.

3. Mandatory required follow the recommended work schedule.

Subject to the basic rules regarding the tool used, a rich harvest and outstanding taste of the berries are guaranteed.

Taking into account the time of the work and their goals, there are several ways to properly cut raspberries in the spring.... It is worth noting that pinching is one of the ways to form bushes and increase their fertility. This procedure boils down to pinching the crown of the shoot at the desired height, which causes branching.Such operations are carried out from May to the end of the first month of summer.

Separately, it is worth focusing on the processing of tree (standard) raspberries. Unlike the vast majority of common varieties, this variety has very strong and well-developed branches. As a result, such bushes look like small trees.

Timely and correctly performed pruning will help to avoid problems.... First of all, you should pay attention to the old branches that no longer bear fruit. Often, tree varieties are pruned in two approaches. The first time unnecessary shoots are removed in the period from late May to early June, when the height of the bushes reaches 1 m, as a result, about 5 lateral shoots remain by the end of summer.

The second pruning is done the next year from mid to late May, and the shoots are shortened by about 10 cm. It is important to remember that standard varieties are unpretentious, and caring for them does not require significant time costs. Given these features it is the tree raspberry that enjoys record popularity among gardeners.

This pruning method is most relevant if the main goal of the entire procedure is to extend the fruiting period. The main distinguishing feature of the technique is the formation of 4 groups of shoots. The pruning itself is carried out as follows:

1. the highest branches should be cut from above by about 10-15 cm;

2. the second highest group is shortened by 30 cm (often by a third);

3. the following branches are cut in half (approximately 70 cm);

4. the fourth group of shoots is cut to 5 cm.

As a result of such treatment of the bushes, the highest branches will bear fruit first.

The last crop will be brought by the lower "stumps" closer to August.

In practice, this technique has proven itself exclusively on the positive side. With such pruning, a multiple improvement in quality and an increase in the volume of the crop are recorded. Bushes often bear fruit twice a season. At the same time, the main distinguishing feature is the step-by-step implementation of the procedure with strict adherence to the deadlines for each stage. Let's consider the order of actions.

1. In the period from late May to early June, young branches are pinched or pruned at a meter height, which provokes the awakening of the "dormant" buds and their active vegetation.

2. With the arrival of the next season, the formed branches must be shortened by 10-15 cm.

It is important to take into account that as a result of such manipulations, the branching of the bushes is significantly increased.

According to the rules of double cropping no more than 5 strong shoots should be left.

This type of processing of raspberry bushes is mandatory at the stage when the buds are swelling or are already beginning to bloom. The essence of the pruning procedure in this case is to remove branches damaged and frozen over the winter. In parallel, it is necessary to get rid of all weak and thin shoots. As a result of manipulations, it is possible to redirect the entire flow of nutrients and energy of the plant. They are guided not by the vegetation and restoration of the affected branches, but by the formation and maturation of a good harvest.

It is important to take into account that such raspberry varieties are distinguished by the ability to fructify both young and old shoots. Given this feature, pruning is done in two ways.

1. To obtain one bountiful harvest, the treatment of remontant plants begins with cutting off the branches located near the ground.... This is done with the onset of the first frost. In the spring, it will be necessary to thin out the young growth, leaving a few of the strongest specimens.This method is more relevant for the northern regions.

2. If it is necessary to extend the fruiting period, that is, to remove two crops, then only old (two-year) shoots are removed. Moreover, the first berries will ripen on last year's branches in the first half of summer. The second crop can be removed from young shoots in the fall. Naturally, twice a year raspberries will bear fruit only in warm climates.

It is worth noting that, regardless of the conditions, remontant varieties are distinguished by abundant fruiting... The plant will give all its strength to the ripening of the crop, which provides for caring for the bushes throughout the season.

Taking proper care of the raspberry bushes after pruning them is just as important as the procedure itself. It is important to remember that plants are especially vulnerable immediately after removing unnecessary shoots.

At the same time, the number of ovaries will predictably increase, and, in parallel, the load on the bush. Organic matter will be relevant for feeding the raspberry, namely:

• humus;

• wood ash;

• plant residues;

• peat;

• stale sawdust.

If raspberries are grown on sandy soil, it is recommended to use mineral supplements. Before applying fertilizers, the soil must be moistened, and they themselves must be evenly distributed under the bushes with a slight deepening into the soil.

The next important point is a competent garter of thinned and trimmed shoots. They are fixed in a bundle or fan-shaped manner to a horizontally located trellis support. A properly made garter makes it much easier to care for the bushes, and also provides uniform ventilation. It is also important to remember that during the ripening of the crop, the fruiting branches can sink to the ground under the weight of the berries.

In addition to all of the above, one should not forget about such an important component of caring for a raspberry tree as plant processing. In spring they are especially vulnerable to diseases and pests. An effective remedy in this case will be Bordeaux liquid, the recommended concentration of which in the spray solution is indicated by the manufacturer on the package. Usually, 1% is enough for sanitizing plantings, but in situations with dormant plants, it is permissible to use more saturated solutions... The first spraying is done as soon as the snow melts and a stable heat is established. Re-processing is carried out immediately after trimming.

In principle, raspberries belong to the category of unpretentious plants. However, it also requires certain care, on which the yield will directly depend. To do the correct pruning of bushes, you need to remember important points.

1. Do not feel sorry for the shoots, because the more there are, the poorer the harvest can be.

2. Dry branches are cut at ground level, that is, at the root, without leaving hemp.

3. Shoot removal and pruning should be done with the utmost care.

4. It is required to exclude damage to the buds and the branches adjacent to the trimmed branches.

5. It is necessary to strictly adhere to the specific scheme and terms of work.

6. Pruned green shoots can be a good planting material.

7. Dense raspberries are one of the most dangerous enemies of a good harvest. Due to lack of nutrition, moisture, light and airflow, the berries will inevitably begin to shrink, and the bushes themselves will hurt.

Given that pruning, among other things, is aimed at updating the bushes and their health, this procedure cannot be ignored. And this is not to mention the effective increase in yields.

The most common misconceptions include the following.

• Often the hand does not rise to strong and well-developed growth. At the same time, it is erroneous to believe that its removal will negatively affect the harvest.

• Excess shoots are removed superficially... Often, beginner gardeners will only trim the outer part of the shrub to get rid of the extreme young growth. The branches remaining inside the raspberry tree lead to its overgrowth. As a result, fruiting worsens, and the risk of developing diseases increases.

• When thinning, there are interweaving of branches that can become the cause of the spread of infections.

• Kidney damage due to inept actions and haste during pruning lead to extremely negative consequences.... This can be avoided by following the schemes and basic rules. It is important to remember that the largest shoots are removed first, and then the smaller shoots.

• Often, gardeners only shorten the shoots and remove dried branches. In practice, such sanitization of plants is not enough. Do not forget about the need for the correct formation of raspberry bushes.

Summing up, it is necessary to remind once again that, despite the unpretentiousness of raspberries, she needs competent care... Correct and timely pruning will allow you to grow large berries with good taste. At the same time, comfortable conditions for caring for the bushes will be provided.