How and when to tie up raspberries: tips for responsible gardeners
Successful raspberry growing in the country requires careful planning and proper organization. A special place among the main works to maintain the health of the bushes is tying branches. SSPDaily talked about the optimal timing, the reasons for this, different ways of tying, as well as the advantages of the Scandinavian method.
When and how to tie raspberries
Spring, the period before the buds appear, is the ideal time to tie raspberries, because then the plants are minimally injured, which will allow them to be more easily adapted to the supporting structures. However, if you missed the spring period, raspberries can be tied up before or during budding, usually in the summer. However, be careful not to harm the berries.
Reasons for tying raspberries
Firstly, tying is a kind of obstacle to deformation of the bush because tall plants will not be able to touch the raspberries with their long branches. In addition, strong winds, heavy rain, or large berries can damage the stems and lead to significant yield losses. In addition, raspberry bushes that are not properly maintained become more vulnerable to disease and pest attack.
Secondly, providing berries with sufficient sunlight. Dense and overcrowded plantings create shading, which can hinder the growth of large sweet fruits. Sunlight is necessary for berries to accumulate the necessary substances for proper development and taste.
How to tie up raspberries correctly
One of the most effective ways to tie raspberries is to use a trellis system. It can also be used for other plants, such as cucumbers, zucchini, plums, and small apple trees. To implement this method, follow these steps:
- Make two-meter long supports, such as plastic or metal pipes or poles, at both ends of the raspberry row, keeping a three-meter distance between them.
- Stretch metal wire or twine parallel to the soil, placing the first at a height of 0.5 m and the second at a height of 1 m from the ground.
- Gradually tie the raspberry branches to the lower and upper tiers of the support system with ropes.
Although this method is relatively simple and inexpensive, it has a number of drawbacks. For example, thickened branch connections may suffer from a lack of light, which will lead to the formation of fungi or increased pest activity. As a result, the berries can be very small.
Advantages of the Scandinavian method
The Scandinavian method of tying raspberries involves the construction of a two-story support structure with a wire connecting the supports at a height of 1-2 m. The main advantage of this method is that you don't have to tie up individual raspberry bushes. Instead, they are attached to the support by wrapping wire around them, which also reduces material consumption.
This technology has many advantages. In particular, it ensures proper air circulation around the raspberry bushes, which contributes to optimal berry development and facilitates harvesting. In addition, the Scandinavian method can also be applied to remontant raspberries, making it a universal solution for gardeners looking for effective and efficient ways to tie them up.
