In the fall, raspberries begin important preparations for winter. Now is the time to lay the foundation for the future harvest. While the ground is not frozen, I always water the raspberries with a special infusion, which helps the bushes survive the cold without stress and quickly “wake up” in the spring.
An infusion of ash will come to the rescue. It contains a lot of potassium, phosphorus and microelements, which strengthen the root system and make plants resistant to temperature changes. After this treatment, raspberries do not freeze even in snowless winters, and in the spring they begin to grow faster.
To prepare the infusion, I take a glass of wood ash in a bucket of warm water. I stir well and let it brew for several hours. Then I carefully water a liter of solution under each bush. It is better to do this in dry weather, a week before the first frost.
If the soil on the site is heavy, it is useful to add a little sand or humus – then the ash will work even more effectively, improving the structure of the earth. After watering, you can mulch the bed with fallen leaves or straw: this will retain moisture and create additional protection from the cold.
Can coal ash be used instead of wood ash?
No, coal ash is low in nutrients and may contain harmful contaminants. Only ash from pure wood is suitable.
Is ash infusion suitable for other crops?
Yes, it is useful for currants, gooseberries and roses – it strengthens the roots and increases resistance to cold.
