Raspberry cultivating inside the homestead can be such an exciting adventure. These vitamin enriched juicy fruits can be consumed fresh, processed into jams or addition to other foods such as desserts but to grow raspberries, some level of expertise is needed. Beginner gardeners are not exception for they make mistakes that may slow down their plants’ growth or result in no fruits at all. Below are some of the most frequent mistakes you should eschew when cultivating raspberry plants at home.
- Planting in the Wrong Location
A very important factor in raspberry growing is where the bushes are to be placed in the garden or field. Raspberries grow well in open ground requiring at least 6-8 hours of direct sunlight to effectively develop into fruit-yielding plants. When grown under bases, shaded, or where they are exposed to very little sunlight the trees develop weak growths and fruits. Raspberries also require well-drained soil Just like blueberries they require well-drained soil so that there is not wetness in the roots. If your garden lends to heavy soil, where water settles and your plants become waterlogged, it is best to improve drainage or strawberry plants them in mounds or raised garden to prevent a waterlogged condition that spells doom for the roots.
- Ignoring Soil Preparation
Raspberries are well adapted to slightly acidic soil [pH 5.5 to 6.5 on the basis of extraction with potassium chloride. Before planting it is important to check the type of soil on the ground and till it and add organic manure like compost. This is because the bed prepared is not properly treated by manure or compost so that growth will be hindered as well as the production of fruits. If the ph is too high you may add Sulfur which will lower the ph of the soil ph to a desirable level If on the other hand the ph is low you will add lime which will raise the ph of the soil ph to an acceptable level. The soil should be well draining but not too dry that the roots fails to get sufficient moisture duri⟨n⟨ dry weather.
- Overcrowding the Plants
Raspberries grow quite expansively. In cases where these are overgrow, then limited air circulation exposes the plant to some disease conditions, including mold and rust. Therefore, upon planting the raspberries, 18-24 inches spacing must be allowed. Such an interval creates sufficient room for growth as well as creating some spaces in air around the canes. If they are planted too close together, canes will become entwined and stressed, reducing the overall health and yield of the plant. For trellised raspberries, leave enough space between plants so that they may grow vertically and outwardly.
- Inadequate Support for Canes
Raspberry plants are not self-supportive. When the plant begins to get tall and full of fruit, the plant will start falling. Without support, canes may droop over. This will adversely affect the crops. It’s good to start the season early by installing the trellis or support. The canes should be set upright to maintain healthy growth while making harvesting less strenuous. As the cane grows, a stable support of wire or netting should be utilized to keep them in place through the growing season.
- Over-watering or Under-watering
Raspberries like to remain moist but cannot tolerate both excess and deficient supply of water, as their roots are susceptible to overwatering and underwatering. Excess water may lead to root rot, whereas lesser water may leave the plants with stress conditions which might further bring growth and fruiting in the negative direction. Use deep yet sparing watering for just the right level of moisture while giving your raspberry plants room for soil drying to a slight bit between waterings. Mulching around the bases of the plants will ensure retention of moisture. Waterlogging will also be avoided by ensuring the soil drains and does not get too soggy to hurt the roots.
- Failure to Prune
Pruning is one of the ways to maintain your raspberry plant in good health and productivity. Neglecting pruning will only turn your plant into a mess of old canes, obstructing airflow and covering the new shoots. For summer-bearing raspberry varieties, cut off the fruits that have grown on the older canes for they will never produce again; for ever-bearing raspberries trim the canes to the ground after harvesting your fall crop which encourages new growth on the plant; pruning helps train the plant, focusing its energy upon producing healthy canes that grow and bear next season.
- Failure in Pest and Diseases Control
Raspberries are susceptible to a number of pests and diseases, such as aphids, spider mites, and fungus. The situation may sometimes prove fatal without knowing how fast those infestations or diseases develop. Frequently check for insects that are eating your plants; remove immediately any canes that obviously have diseases. Try to attract beneficial insects to your plant garden, such as aphid-eating ladybugs, but don’t hesitate to resort to organic pesticide if your inspection finds one or more unwanted organisms. Prevent fungal diseases by ensuring good air circulation, avoiding overhead watering, and removing any diseased canes promptly.
- Not Mulching Around the Plants
Often in care of raspberries, mulching is overlooked but it has various benefits. This will help keep your soil cool through the layer around the base. Hold moisture for a longer period of time, and kill weeds to compete with raspberries for the uptake of nutrients. Over time, organic mulch decomposes and will even provide nutrient matter to your soil. However, just do not pile your mulch up against the canes, where it will also contribute to disease and rot.
- Selection of the Wrong Variety of Raspberries
Not all raspberry varieties are suitable for every climate or growing condition. You want to select a variety that is suitable for your local climate. It can be summer-bearing or everbearing. Summer-bearing raspberries will give you one crop per year. Two crops, which shall be one in the fall and another in the summer, will be produced by the everbearing varieties. Check local garden centers or online suppliers for varieties that thrive in your area. Make careful selections about hardiness, disease resistance, and even the fruiting time with each selection.
- Lack of Patience
Growing raspberries, on the other hand, requires one to be patient since it takes a. Few years before the actual plants mature to produce a harvestable quantity. Although you would be able to see some fruits on the plant in the initial year. However, a larger crop and more fruit usually takes time of two or three years. Do not over-prune or over-fertilize these plants as the plant may face stress and retardation in flowering. Be very patient and nature will do everything for you regarding this plant; then you are sure to gain. The reward by having raspberries in the succeeding years.
If you avoid these common mistakes, then your raspberry plants will thrive, and you’ll be enjoying yummy fruits every year. With proper care, attention, and patience, you will soon be enjoying homemade raspberries in a variety of dishes and treats.
MORE READ ON: SPERO MAGAZINE
