Where is the best place to plant gooseberries in the garden
Gooseberry bushes are planted in a permanent place both in spring and autumn. Before planting, the tops of the shoots are cut off and the dried roots are removed. If you choose the right place and follow the simple rules of care, the shrub is able to bear fruit for 15 years or more. Where to plant gooseberries and how to choose good neighbors - read the article.
The content of the article
Where is it better to plant gooseberries on the site
Even before purchasing seedlings, it is necessary to choose a place for future plantings, taking into account the requirements for soil, light and humidity.
In the shade or in the sun
The culture is light-loving and, once in the shade, will respond with a decrease in the number and size of berries.
In the middle lane and to the north, the sunniest places in the summer cottage are chosen for the bushes. In the south, where burns of leaves and berries are possible from the bright sun, it is better to place gooseberries in a slightly shaded area.
On a note! It is convenient to place the shrub between garden trees at a distance of at least 2 m.
Humidity
Excess moisture for gooseberries is contraindicated: the root collar quickly rots, which leads to the death of the plant.
Experienced gardeners do not advise growing bushes in swampy areas or with high-standing groundwater (closer than 1.5 m to the surface).
On a note!If the groundwater stands at 0.8-1 m from the soil surface, and there is no other place, you can plant a shrub on a bedding from the soil 0.3-0.5 m high and about 1 m wide.
Wind
Gooseberry planting must be protected by trees or walls of buildings from the prevailing winds... In summer, the negative influence of the drying wind will decrease. In winter, more snow will accumulate on the site, which means that the soil will not freeze, and in the spring the plantings will receive enough moisture.
What kind of soil is needed
A good harvest is guaranteed on loamy, sandy loam, sandy soils.
The crop is sensitive to soil acidity. The optimum is slightly acidic with a pH value of 6.0-6.5.
Before planting for digging, fertilizers are applied to the site at the rate of 1 sq. m:
- organic - from 2 to 4 kg;
- urea - 20-25 g;
- superphosphate - 30-50 g;
- potassium chloride - 20-25 g.
After what plants to plant
Good precursors for gooseberries: beets, potatoes, legumes.
Peas, beans, alfalfa enrich the soil with nitrogen, which makes it possible to apply less fertilizers for the future berry. After beets and potato pests of berry crops in the soil are much less.
These vegetables and herbs must be sown on the land intended for planting gooseberries for at least two years in a row.
What to plant gooseberries in the garden
Most household plots are small, so when planning a garden, you need to take into account the influence of plants on each other and choose the optimal neighborhood.
When choosing neighbors, they are guided by the following rules:
- Crops must have different nutrient requirements.
- Plants susceptible to various pests and diseases feel better next to each other.
- The root system of neighbors should be located at different depths to avoid competition for moisture.
- Neighbors should not release substances that are harmful to each other.
Positively influencing plants
Gooseberries get along well with red currant. Shrubs do not compete for nutrients and, due to different types of pests and diseases, do not serve as a source of infection for each other. Similar agricultural techniques facilitate maintenance.
Another successful neighbor - cherry... The root system of cherries develops much deeper than that of gooseberries, so that moisture and nutrition will go to everyone. It does not have a large and dense crown and does not shade the gooseberries too much.
It is useful to plant aromatic herbs next to gooseberries that will scare away pests: sage, lemon balm, mint, basil.
Neutral neighbors
Without compromising the harvest, gooseberries grow next to apple trees, plum, pear.
If the garden is young, when planting a shrub, keep in mind that the crowns of trees will grow. The distance between the trunks should be at least 2 m to avoid shading.
Bad neighbors
Negatively affect the growth and yield of gooseberries raspberry and black currant. Their roots actively draw off food and moisture. Common pests and diseases will not leave gooseberries a chance in case of infection of neighbors. For the same reasons, it is not recommended to plant strawberries nearby and grapes.
Attention! Herbs hyssop and fennel release substances into the soil that are dangerous for the root system of shrubs. It is categorically impossible to plant them nearby.
Conclusion
Where is the best place to plant gooseberries? This shrub is unpretentious, its productivity and health depend mainly on the place. For planting, choose sunny, wind-protected areas where there is no excess moisture.
It is important to remember about a favorable neighborhood with other plants. For gooseberries, red currants, cherries, honeysuckle, and aromatic herbs (mint, basil, sage) will become good companions. Black currants, raspberries, strawberries planted nearby will only harm gooseberry bushes. Choose the right place for the berry and enjoy the harvest.