Planting blackberries in autumn
Content:
There is a generally accepted rule that a perennial berry bush should be planted in a permanent place only in the spring and autumn. Every inexperienced gardener is faced with the question of planting time, leaving the choice for the spring. Since he is afraid of planting for the winter. But experience allows us to recommend planting blackberries in the autumn. Autumn is considered the best time for planting and laying out new garden plots. But, if you look at it, then there are pros and cons in both cases. Only circumstances help to make a choice. Therefore, planting blackberries in the fall is a topic that is definitely worth considering.
Planting blackberries in the fall - the pros
Blackberries are a horticultural crop and there is no specific set of rules and terms for touching up new ridges, there is practically no difference if we consider it relative to other crops.
The choice of planting material is diverse. A large number of nurseries and specialty shops for horticulture offer all the new and better varieties, depending on the region of residence.
But a small nuance is created - by the spring there is already an insignificant amount of choice, a shortage of a quality product is created, illiquidity is unlikely to suit even an inexperienced gardener. That is why planting blackberries in the fall is preferable. When the choice is huge, just be in time;
- for a young seedling, there is always the importance of watering, good moisture. And in the fall, after transplants, the blackberries no longer need watering so much, until the next season. Seasonal rains and subsequent snow provide sufficient moisture to the soil. There is enough moisture to perfectly endure the winter period;
- for the duration of the winter, the development of the root system of the seedling takes place, although it is slowed down. And in early spring, the bush is already rooting enough. In the process of development, autumn plantings go ahead, relative to the seedlings purchased and planted in spring. The forces of the landings are sufficiently formed in a timely manner;
- the gardener has fewer questions about how to preserve the seedling purchased in the fall, but left until the next season. It is necessary to create certain conditions in the room, regularly inspect the material. And this is all a waste of extra time and effort. It is not a fact that a seedling can survive the winter in such a state.
Each region has its own established terms for planting cultivated plants before winter. It all depends on the climate. Therefore, it is carried out at different times:
- Central region - planting of blackberries begins in the second half of October, continues until the 20th of November;
- Krasnodar begins planting work in the same period, but it is quite long. Landing can be done almost until December 15th. At the same time, the bush has enough time to adapt a little to new conditions and be ready for the winter season.
There is no particular difference in the rules for planting blackberries, but there is still a number recommendations, which should be followed:
- be sure to prepare the soil of the appropriate temperature, that is, well warmed up. To comply with this point, autumn planting takes precedence. In the spring it is difficult to grasp the moment when the soil warms up, but the stable hot weather has not yet arrived. In the fall, this item is easier. Talking about whether the soil is warmed up or still wait completely disappears in the fall season;
- about the preparedness of the soil.In this matter, there is no difference between planting in the fall and in the spring. The composition of the soil must comply with the standards. You can carry out preparation in the fall, for spring work, or 3 weeks before the autumn planting.
Planting blackberries. Site selection and preparation rules
As with any crop, choosing the right site avoids many difficulties in growing and for the healthy development of the plant. The best option would be a place well lit by the sun, but always protected from strong winds.
Blackberries are very difficult to experience a constant drought, however, soils with stagnant water have a detrimental effect on the development of the bush, this is even more detrimental to the blackberry, the root system begins to rot and subsequent death.
You need to know the exact location of groundwater - no more than 150 centimeters. For example, areas near fences, south or southwest side, are great for planting blackberries. It is strictly not recommended to plant crops in areas where vegetables were grown, at least after 3-4 years. Quarantine is needed, soil bacteria must recover. Only then will the blackberry be able to develop peacefully in such areas.
The correct composition of the soil plays an equally important role. Blackberry prefers loamy soil, but rather fertile in composition. All these conditions are created in advance to obtain the highest yield. Dig up the soil, not less than 50 centimeters.
Apply the necessary fertilizers:
- rotted manure or compost in the amount of 5 kilograms;
- superphosphate 150 grams;
- potassium salts 50 grams.
All proportions are for one planting hole only. Mix the top dressing very well with the soil. This amount of fertilizer is quite enough for the next 3-4 growing seasons.
Parameters for the selection of seedlings for the winter
Blackberries have been cultivated since ancient times and were planted in the garden plots of our ancestors. Therefore, a very large experience was created in the cultivation of crops. Accordingly, there are many guidelines to follow.
It has been established that 100% of the planting material planted before winter takes root well, timely rooting takes place. We choose the varieties for the region of residence, therefore, in the area where cold is characteristic, the type of blackberry is frost-resistant. It is the correct choice of the variety that comes to the successful wintering of the seedling. Such varieties are recommended to be planted by residents of Siberia and the Central regions.
What are the criteria by which a successful choice of material for planting is possible? Let's list the most important ones:
- always select a variety bred specifically for your region, area. Berry bushes react to unusual growing conditions;
- decided on a zoned choice. We take into account that erect (semi-creeping) species are more comfortable and steadfastly able to endure the winter cold;
- for the convenience of planting and subsequent care, we select varieties that do not have thorns. But do not forget, a plant without thorns can only be bred with cuttings of the stems. When root cuttings are used, the result may differ from the original, the plant grows with thorns;
- there are classic and remontant blackberry varieties. Each direction has its own characteristics. On annual shoots, fruit formation depends on quality care, proper feeding and nutritional quality. Mandatory fertilization system. This is all for the remontant blackberry. Plus in such varieties - they are less susceptible to any kind of disease. Hybrids are initially endowed with excellent immunity;
- every grower has a number of preferences when he comes to the nursery to buy a new variety. This takes into account the importance of the formation of shoots: low growth or grow taller.
The most important point when choosing a new seedling!
Already in the first year of life, a new plant should have a well-developed root system, the presence of several shoots, at least 5 mm thick. It is best to purchase seedlings whose root system is closed, that is, the roots are in a special container, well, in extreme cases, in an oilcloth bag. It is this planting material that has the ability to take root by 99%.
Planting blackberries in autumn with seedlings. Schematic secrets of planting
When you choose varieties with powerful development and root system for your garden, be sure to keep in mind that you cannot thicken the planting. In this case, blackberries develop poorly, the amount of harvest decreases, and the bushes themselves become more vulnerable to pests and diseases. This applies to bushes that can grow up to 5 meters.
What else minuses arise close fit:
- the area of plant nutrition is significantly reduced;
- lack of sunlight, affects the quality of the solidity of the stems;
- for plantings, seasonal care is complicated: loosening, weeding and other actions;
- diseases often occur that are not characteristic of the bushes with proper care, the quality and quantity of the crop decreases.
It is advisable to choose a single scheme for planting a plant. At the same time, the distance between the bushes remains at least 2 meters, in all directions from the base of the planting pit. All buildings can serve as a good shelter from strong winds, but keep the distance between the plant and the building, at least 150 centimeters.
For a comfortable location of tall bushes, when using a trellis, it is recommended to plant the plant in convenient rows. The choice of a certain distance always depends on the varietal characteristics of the blackberry, that is, on the growth of the bush. We also calculate the distance depending on the created support and the rules of agricultural technology for such crops.
Growing upright species, in particular remontant
Most upright shrubs are remontant varieties. For them, we calculate the distance as follows: between the bushes from 150 to 250 centimeters, leave the distance between the rows up to 2 meters.
Creeping and semi-creeping shaping
If we consider varieties of creeping and semi-creeping species, we calculate the distance as follows: between plants - up to 3 meters, but not less than 250 centimeters, row spacing - not less than 250 cm.
Uterus
When creating a mother liquor, we observe the following system: the distance between plants is not less than 300 centimeters, the row spacing is also not less than 3 meters.
Agrotechnics of industrial planting
With the industrial planting of blackberries, special conditions are necessary, it is necessary to plant a lot of material, and, at the same time, save space. Therefore, the following scheme is observed: we leave up to 1 meter between the plants, the row spacing is observed at least 170 cm and up to 2 meters.
All schematic planting data are calculated with the condition of growing on a private territory and when working with plants manually. For the mechanization of the process, such a schematic is not acceptable.
The creation of a higher planting density (up to 45 plants per one hundred square meters) is possible when it is possible to create an intensive process of agricultural technology: drip irrigation, regular, systematic feeding and a number of other measures.
Autumn planting of blackberries step by step
We start preparing the site for planting in a timely manner, not just before planting. It is enough to dig deep into the soil, while it is necessary to remove all the remnants of previous plants, that is, the roots, weeds must be removed. If heavy clay soil prevails on your site, it is recommended to add some of the sand, you can replace it with sawdust, which must be rotted. Thus, we create a looser soil structure, which is very beneficial for the blackberry bushes.
Planting hole for bushes no deeper than 40 centimeters, sides up to 0.5 meters in width.When adding the fertilizer composition, be sure to thoroughly mix the soil and feed mixture with a shovel. Each bush is very carefully removed from the container in which it was at the time of purchase. Cut off all dried root ends with a sharp secateurs.
With an open root system, dip each seedling in a specially prepared mash, creamy state: water, clay and mullein, proportional to 5: 2: 1. Before the process of using the talker, it is necessary to treat the roots from the appearance of parasites and additional oxygen saturation.
To do this, hold the roots for some time (several minutes) in a special solution or hydrogen peroxide (3% peroxide in the amount of 1 teaspoon per 1 liter of water). Next, place in the chatterbox.
For watering the planting pit, we use at least 10 liters of water for each bush. After completely absorbing water, we begin to form a soil mound, on top of which we place a seedling. At the same time, carefully straighten each spine. After the roots, cover with soil in the amount of two-thirds of the required amount. Mandatory deepening of the root collar is insignificant, but not less than 3 centimeters.
Spill water again, but in a smaller amount, 5 liters per plant. After absorbing, sprinkle the pits with the rest of the soil. Tamp down to exclude the appearance of airspace.
The planting area around the plant is recommended to be mulched. You can use any available material: humus, straw, peat, compost. Over the next 50 days, carry out systematic watering in the required amount.
At the onset of the first severe cold weather, insulate the plantings, add a layer of mulch, up to 15 centimeters. If this amount of mulch is used at an earlier stage, then the seedling begins to form additional roots, moreover, over the entire mulched area. New roots are not able to get stronger in time, take root, that is, they will not be able to survive the winter frosts.
Autumn planting of blackberries: we provide protection of young seedlings from cold weather
Autumn plantings of blackberries suggest a must-have device for protecting a young plant from the winter cold. What is it for? In early spring, the bushes begin to activate their development. Those who have wintered well are able to begin the formation of green mass in the early stages, while plantings that have not been warmed in autumn may simply not survive the frost. In extreme cases, the development of the plant is disrupted, and in the spring there is a slow rooting, and only then development.
Fruiting can not be expected in this case.
Regions with snowy winters can safely leave the plant for the winter, without additional insulation. This function is performed by large snowdrifts. When the snowdrifts are below 30 centimeters, shelter is vital for the seedlings.
The shoots must be pressed to the soil surface, then covered with non-woven materials. The soil itself, immediately before the construction of the shelter, is well mulched. In the spring, after the set warm temperature, the shelter is immediately removed in order to avoid overheating of the shoots.
Each region has its own advantages and disadvantages of the climate. When choosing varieties for planting, all these subtleties must be taken into account. Without compliance with the rules of agricultural technology for a certain climate, all expectations for the result will be reduced to zero.
We will consider the characteristic features of planting for a specific region below, taking into account all climatic conditions:
- Krasnodar region. In these conditions, the risk factors include an insufficient amount of moisture, the presence of permanent dry winds. For this region, of course, it is necessary to create special conditions. Ways to solve the problem: the planting of young seedlings is carried out at a later date - mid-December will be the best option. Watering is carried out very efficiently, always regularly, with a systematic scheme.It is highly recommended to carry out high-quality mulching.
- Central regions of Russia, in particular the Moscow region. In this area, especially in recent years, winters with little snow, so there is always a lack of moisture. With a small amount of snow, fairly severe frosts can be observed. And such a situation, naturally, has a negative effect on young seedlings. How to solve the problem in this region: to plan planting for the last days of October, you can postpone to the first ten days of November. This period, according to statistics, is the wettest. In this situation, mulching should be used only for warming the plant for the winter.
- Northwest region. The main disadvantages (risk factor) in these areas is large-scale swampiness, which is completely unacceptable for planting blackberries. How to solve the problem in this area? Planting work should be carried out from the end of October to the first days of December. The rainiest period is to mulch only under a shelter for wintering. The most important thing in this area is high-quality drainage. Without this, the plant is not able to grow and bear fruit comfortably.
- Siberian region. Of course, intensification of frosts and harsh winds becomes the worst in this territory. It is generally necessary to approach plantings in such a climate very competently, deliberately, choosing high-quality material of specially bred varieties. The first is the construction of protection against gusty wind turbines. The landing should be located according to these structures. All planting and preparatory work carried out should be stopped before the first frost. Each bed is well mulched, the obligatory installation of shields for snow retention. When all conditions are met, there is no danger of all efforts being wasted.
As a result of our conversation, it can be emphasized. To grow beautiful blackberries, which are positive from all sides, it is important to follow all the recommendations, agricultural rules for a particular region.
Most importantly, a plant requires more than just correctness in action. Taking care of the plant, be sure to love your planting. It is imperative to select only zoned varieties. Experiments are strongly discouraged when growing southern, the earliest varieties in the North-West, where the prevalence of high humidity will lead to the death of the plant.
Compliance with the rules, optimal timing, quality of the planting carried out directly guarantees excellent survival rate, development and abundant fruiting.