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, cut off the tops of the shoots and remove dried roots. If you choose the right place and follow simple care rules, the shrub can bear fruit for 15 years or more. Where to plant gooseberries and how to choose good neighbors - read the article.
Where is the best place to plant gooseberries on the plot?
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 crop is light-loving and, if placed in the shade, will result in a decrease in the number and size of berries.
In the middle zone and to the north, the sunniest places in the summer cottage are chosen for bushes. In the south, where the bright sun can cause burns to leaves and berries, 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 is contraindicated for gooseberries: the root collar quickly rots, which leads to the death of the plant.
Experienced gardeners do not recommend growing bushes in wetlands or with high groundwater (closer than 1.5 m to the surface).
On a note! If the groundwater is 0.8-1 m from the soil surface, and there is no other place, you can plant the shrub on a backfill of soil 0.3-0.5 m high and about 1 m wide.
Wind
Gooseberry plantings must be protected by trees or building walls from prevailing winds. In summer, the negative impact of 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 and sandy soils.
The crop is sensitive to soil acidity. Optimal 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 square meter. 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 predecessors for gooseberries: beets, potato, legumes.
Peas, beans, alfalfa enrich the soil with nitrogen, which allows you to apply less fertilizer to the future berry garden. After beets and potatoes, there are much fewer pests of berry crops in the soil.
These vegetables and herbs must be sown on land intended for planting gooseberries for at least two years in a row.
How to plant gooseberries in the garden
Most garden 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 that are 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 emit substances that are harmful to each other.
Positively influencing plants
Gooseberries get along well with red currants. 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 technology makes care easier.
Another lucky neighbor - cherry. The root system of cherries develops much deeper than that of gooseberries, so everyone gets moisture and nutrition. It does not have a large and dense crown and will not shade the gooseberries too much.
It is useful to plant aromatic herbs next to the gooseberries that will repel pests: sage, lemon balm, mint, basil.
Neutral neighbors
Without damaging the harvest, gooseberries grow next to apple trees, plum, pear.
If the garden is young, when planting shrubs, keep in mind that the tree crowns will grow. The distance between the trunks should be at least 2 m to avoid shading.
Bad neighbors
Negatively affects the growth and yield of gooseberries raspberries and black currant. Their roots actively withdraw food and moisture. Common pests and diseases will leave no chance for gooseberries if their neighbors become infected. For the same reasons, it is not recommended to plant strawberries and grape.
Attention! Herbs hyssop and fennel release substances into the soil that are dangerous to the root system of shrubs. It is strictly forbidden to plant them next to each other.
Conclusion
Where is the best place to plant gooseberries? This shrub is unpretentious, its productivity and health depend mainly on the location. For planting, choose sunny, wind-protected areas where there is no excess moisture.
It is important to remember the favorable proximity to other plants. For gooseberries, red currants, cherries, honeysuckle, and aromatic herbs (mint, basil, sage) will be good companions. Black currants, raspberries, and strawberries planted nearby will only harm the gooseberry bushes.Choose the right place for your berry garden and enjoy the harvest.