Content
Honeysuckle is a relatively unpretentious crop that even an inexperienced, novice gardener can maintain in good condition. Caring for honeysuckle in the spring should include various activities covering the full range of agrotechnical methods that are used when growing this crop. Typically, the spring work schedule is the tightest, since many important issues need to be resolved in a relatively short time.
The flowering period of honeysuckle falls already in May, before it begins it is important to complete all the care activities
How to care for honeysuckle in spring
In general, the process of spring care for edible honeysuckle consists of two parts: one-time and periodic events. The first includes work carried out once a season:
- sanitary pruning;
- the first spring feeding (nitrogenous);
- preventive treatment for fungus.
Periodic activities include watering and regular loosening of the soil.
It should be noted right away that planting and transplanting honeysuckle in the spring cannot be carried out. The plant, which did not have time to adapt, will begin to grow abundantly under the influence of solar heat and, most likely, will die. The only exception is the planting of last year's lignified cuttings in a greenhouse.
What to do with honeysuckle in spring
Below are the activities that are required to take care of the honeysuckle bushes in the spring. They include mainly preventive procedures related to the release of the plant from the cold season, as well as preparing the bush for flowering and fruiting.
Landing rules
Honeysuckle buds bloom in early spring, so it is recommended to plant in autumn so that the plant comes out of the dormant period with an intact root system. Planting in spring is allowed only in two cases:
- planting cuttings, harvested in advance from lignified shoots, in a greenhouse;
- transshipment of an earthen coma together with a seedling grown in advance in indoor or greenhouse conditions;
In the first case, it is important to plant the cuttings at an angle of 45 ° in light soil, which must first be introduced into the greenhouse. The thickness of the fertile layer must be at least 30 cm.
The distance between the cuttings with such a planting is necessary at least 50 cm, so that later they can be transferred to a permanent place of growth without injuring the root system.
Planting honeysuckle in the spring is carried out with a clod of earth
If a fully formed seedling is planted, then it must be done according to the following rules:
- The disembarkation is carried out after bud break, in early April.
- Planting pits are prepared in advance. It is best to make them in the fall and add 10 kg of humus or compost to each. The dimensions of the pits are 50x60x40 cm. They are located at a distance of 1.5 m from each other.
- Also, several different varieties of honeysuckle should be selected in advance, since many of its varieties are self-fertile and require pollinators for normal yields.
- The choice of the place and type of soil is not critical, since the plant is undemanding to these parameters.However, it is recommended to use sunny areas with fertile loamy soil.
- In the center of the pit, a mound is formed, on which the seedling is placed along with a lump of earth, so as not to injure the root system.
- The pit is covered with garden soil, tamped and irrigated.
- The soil around the bush should be mulched with straw or sawdust.
Watering and feeding
Caring for honeysuckle in April means providing it with enough moisture for the plant to enter the flowering phase normally. During this time, it is recommended to carry out 4-6 waterings, based on the norms of 40-50 liters for each bush. To prevent the top layer of soil from setting with a crust, it should either be loosened regularly or covered with mulch.
Top dressing at this stage is done once. It is advisable to do it before bud break, but this is not necessary. The main thing is to have time to hold it before mid-April. In this case, it will be enough to add ammonium nitrate in the amount of 15 g per 1 sq. m.
Care in May for honeysuckle consists in continuing watering and loosening the soil. There is no need to make feeding at this stage. After flowering, honeysuckle has an adequate supply of nutrients.
The third feeding of the season is done during honeysuckle care in July. To do this, add 30 g of nitroammophoska diluted in 10 liters of water under each bush.
Pruning
If the plant is young (1-2 years old), spring pruning is not necessary, as this can lead to inhibition of the growth of honeysuckle or even to its death. The only exception is sanitary pruning of injured or frostbitten branches.
The crown is formed in early spring (at the latest - early April). Plants over 3 years old are allowed for pruning.
Formative pruning is carried out in case of too strong thickening of the bush.
An approximate diagram of a fruiting honeysuckle bush with formative pruning
Anti-aging pruning consists of the following steps:
- removal of the lower tier of branches located too close to the ground and creeping along it;
- removal of dry, damaged and low-leafed shoots;
- the formation of a spherical or oval crown.
Conditionally rejuvenating pruning is divided into two stages, separated by two seasons. At the first, all shoots should be shortened at a level of 30-40 cm from the ground. At the second stage, about half of the branches that have formed in the last season are removed.
The sequence of anti-aging pruning over the years
During its implementation, the following rules are followed:
- Cutting points are treated with oil paint or garden varnish.
- If pruning is not done before late March or early April, it is best to reschedule it to the next season.
- The tops of young shoots should not be removed, as flowers form on them.
- Skeletal branches are removed to the very base.
Seasoned gardening tips for honeysuckle care in spring
The main advice that experienced gardeners give when growing honeysuckle in the spring is that it is recommended to plant only those varieties that have a late growing season. This is necessary to plant before bud break.
More spring care for honeysuckle is presented in the video:
It is also recommended to carry out preventive treatment of the plant against possible fungal diseases. For guaranteed protection, you can use Bordeaux 1% liquid, which is sprayed with a sprayer. But at the same time, there is a high probability of burning young leaves and unblown buds. Therefore, a more gentle composition is recommended, including the following components:
- 100 g of ash;
- 10 g soap;
- 1 liter of water.
They should also spray the shoots of the plant as soon as the air temperature rises above + 5 ° C.
Preventive spraying is carried out after the appearance of the first leaves
Conclusion
Honeysuckle care in spring consists of activities related to the transition of the plant from the cold season to the warm one.These include pruning, preventive treatment for diseases, feeding and watering. A feature of honeysuckle is the early budding, so all preparatory measures should be carried out before this moment.
