Whether mulch, compost or organic fertilizer - we will tell you when, how and with what is the best way to fertilize your raspberries.
Anyone who expects a rich harvest should not only cut their raspberries (Rubus idaeus) regularly and water them when they are dry, but also provide them with sufficient nutrients. The raspberry is very vigorous and therefore has a relatively high need for nutrients. In this article, we will explain when, how and with what to best fertilize your raspberries.
Right time to fertilize the raspberries
In principle, raspberries need the most nutrients between flowering and harvest. Since organic fertilizers only release them slowly, they have to be applied some time before flowering begins. This is the only way that the nutrients are available to the raspberries a few weeks later. Sometimes with raspberries, just like with strawberries, a first application of fertilizer in the fall is recommended. However, when it gets warm again in autumn, premature, unwanted nitrogen release can occur. This endangers the winter hardiness of the raspberries. We therefore advise against autumn fertilization and, weather permitting, we recommend first fertilizing in early spring (March) and further fertilizing before the start of flowering (April/May). It is best to use organic long-term fertilizers for this, such as our Plantura organic universal fertilizer. This is particularly gentle on the environment and provides your raspberries with long-term nutrients through slow decomposition of the fertilizer granules.
Fertilize raspberries when planting
When planting, you should put a generous amount of compost in the planting hole before planting the raspberry. If the topsoil is heavy, the plant is completely covered with compost and the topsoil is used for other purposes. The compost meets the soil requirements of the raspberries in terms of water permeability and root penetration better than heavy soil. A medium-heavy or sandy soil is mixed with compost. In addition, you can easily fertilize with an organic fertilizerif the planting does not take place too late in the autumn. After planting, you should cover the ground with some green clippings. This reduces moisture loss from the root of the raspberry.
Summary: when to fertilize raspberries?
- Improve poor soil with compost
- Incorporate some organic long-term fertilizer when planting, such as our Plantura organic universal fertilizer
- Annual basic fertilization in spring (March)
- Second fertilization for flowering and fruit formation (April/May)
The right fertilizer for raspberries
Various organic fertilizers, mineral fertilizers and natural fertilizers can be used to fertilize your raspberries. We will explain what you need to consider when choosing fertilizer and how best to proceed with fertilization.
Fertilizing raspberries organically: instructions for ideal application
If you compost in your own garden and have enough compost available, you don't have to think long about how to fertilize your raspberries. Compost and decomposed manure cover the raspberries' nutritional needs and are ideal for improving the soil over the long term. If you don't have access to your own garden compost, but you have plenty of space, you can plant clover instead of lawn in part of the garden. The clover is then mowed regularly, just like the lawn, and the resulting mulch is placed on the ground next to the raspberry canes. There the clover mulch rots and gradually releases the nutrients it contains. In addition to fertilization, mulch, like compost, improves the soil structure and helps the soil dry out less quickly.
Allotment gardeners without their own compost heap and green manure options can also use organic commercial fertilizers. Fertilizers in granular form usually have a better long-term effect and are therefore preferable to liquid fertilizers. They also have many advantages when fertilizing raspberries, such as:
- Long-term nutrient supply of the raspberry bushes through ongoing decomposition of microorganisms in the soil
- Promotion of active soil life and sustainable improvement of soil structure
- Gentle on people, pets and garden animals by not using chemicals
Our Plantura organic universal fertilizer consists mainly of organic, plant-based raw materials and fully meets the criteria mentioned. The nutrient composition of the fertilizer is ideal for berry bushes. A high proportion of nitrogen supports plant growth and leaf formation, especially in spring. During the vegetation period, sufficient phosphorus and potassium also ensure rich flowering and fruiting. The production of the fertilizer from residues from the food, feed and semi-luxury food industry is also particularly sustainable and resource-saving.
Organic long-term fertilization: instructions and dosage amounts for raspberries
- Before planting: Work 80 - 160 g/m² (6 to 13 heaped tablespoons) of our Plantura organic universal fertilizer into the top soil layers
- Water the inserted raspberry bush well so that the granulate can loosen
- Fertilize 60 - 120 g per plant (5 to 10 tablespoons) every spring (from March)
- A smaller dose of fertilizer for flowering and fruit formation supports your raspberry again optimally
Fertilize raspberries with minerals
Blue grain, liquid fertilizer and Co. are popular mineral compound fertilizers, which are also often used for berries. These contain very high concentrations of nutrient s alts that can be directly absorbed by the plants from the soil solution. However, the high nutrient content and rapid release can easily lead to over-fertilization of plants. The leaching of excess nutrients into deeper soil layers then leads to contamination of the groundwater. In comparison, organic fertilizers are decomposed by the microorganisms in the soil over a longer period of time and only gradually release the nutrients for the plant.
Fertilize raspberries with coffee grounds and co.
In addition to organic and mineral fertilizers, there are various home remedies that can be used to fertilize the garden. Many hobby gardeners swear by the use of plant manure as a tonic and use it in their own garden. Nettle manure, for example, contains plenty of nitrogen, potassium and various trace elements. After the fermentation is finished, you can add the liquid manure in a ratio of 1:10Dilute water and water the plant with it. Another natural fertilizer found in almost every home is coffee grounds. The actual waste product is rich in nitrogen and can be sprinkled around your raspberry bushes in dried form. However, coffee grounds should only be used as fertilizer in moderation, as their acidity lowers the pH of the soil over time.
In addition to fertilizing, other care measures are important for a rich raspberry harvest. Here are our 10 tips for delicious home-grown raspberries.