What to do with raspberry bushes in September: tips from gardeners

Raspberries are one of the favorite summer treats. However, in order to get a good harvest every year, you need to properly care for the plant's bushes because they can quickly degenerate.

The publication Agronomist explained how to properly care for raspberries in the fall. Thus, in September, berry bushes need pruning, fertilizing and proper watering.

In general, the plant is pruned three times during the season. The first time, right after winter, damaged, dead, and broken branches are removed. The second procedure is carried out after fruiting is complete - in late August or September. The last time the raspberry is trimmed is when all the leaves have fallen off. This helps to rejuvenate the plant in time, improve the access of the sun and air to the shoots, and properly distribute food.

To avoid removing excess branches, take a closer look at the raspberry bush. Remove those that are brown in color and have a dry texture. Young and juicy branches retain their green color. In the fall, the branches are shortened to about human height. In the spring, branches are removed to the strongest bud to stimulate the development of new shoots.

Young raspberry shoots that have grown a little more than one meter over the summer should have their tops cut off. After removing the growth point, the plant will direct its resources not to growth but to strengthening the wood, which is a necessary condition for a successful winter. Branches that have not reached a meter in length by August can be removed completely as they will not have time to prepare well for winter. It is also worth cutting off all branches that have not grown at the base of the bush.

However, do not overdo it. You need to leave all suitable branches for the winter as some of them risk dying in the cold. Therefore, it is better if the plant has a good supply for the next year.

Don't forget to inspect all the trunks for signs of disease and pests after pruning. If necessary, carry out appropriate treatment. It is also advisable to spray raspberries with 1% Bordeaux mixture or a similar disease prevention agent in the fall.

Be sure to feed the raspberries after pruning. Wood ash is suitable for this. It contains all the necessary substances that will help the branches get stronger before winter. You can simply scatter the ash on the ground around the bushes and then loosen the topsoil. However, it is better to avoid fresh manure or herbal infusions in September, as well as nitrogen fertilizers. They stimulate the growth of green mass, which can deplete raspberries. If you prefer mineral fertilization, choose potash and phosphorus fertilizers.

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