It is a well known fact that cranberries grow in peat bogs. You can also buy a healthy berry in the store, laying out a substantial amount for a small bag. I found garden cranberries and have been successfully growing them in my summer cottage for a long time. I want to share my invaluable experience.
Description of culture
Cranberry is a perennial shrub that is highly resistant to the most severe frosts.
The shrub reaches a maximum height of 30 cm. Long, thin shoots of emerald color are densely covered with narrow, small, leathery leaves. The root system is only 15 cm deep.
The plant blooms with small pale pink flowers. Fruits appear only on vertical branches.
Types of garden cranberries
For sites located in the middle lane, two types are suitable for planting: swamp and large-fruited. Outwardly, both plants and fruits are similar.
At home, I planted a marsh variety, as it is more adapted to a changeable climate. It blooms in mid-May, and in mid-September I already collect a large, juicy crop with high palatability.
I use marsh cranberries for making pies, jams and fruit drinks. I freeze for the winter.
In addition, this perennial is highly resistant to severe frosts and does not require additional shelter.
Reproduction features
The cutting method is best suited for propagation. To do this, I recommend in mid-May, during bud break, cut both vertical and horizontal shoots.
The length of the cuttings is no more than 12 cm.
Then I follow the procedure:
- I prepare a soil mixture of sand and peat in a ratio of 2: 1.
- I fall asleep blanks in such a way that at least 4 cm remain on the surface.
As soon as the cuttings have sprouted, I plant them in groups according to the 10x10 cm scheme. Next, I sprinkle with a small layer of coarse sand.
For the event to be successful, I keep the soil consistently moist. Such bushes begin to bear fruit after 3 years.
What soil is suitable for garden cranberries
The plant gives the highest yield on acidic soil, where the pH is at least 5.5. I also recommend slightly acidifying the water for irrigation. In my experience, it was so that with a decrease in acidity, signs of chlorosis began to appear on the leaves, and then the bush stopped growing.
The top layer of soil, where the root system is located, is maintained in a constantly wet state.
Cranberries grow best in the following types of soil:
- peat;
- sand;
- sandy loam.
How to prepare a landing site
I started planting in April. I prepared a plot for cranberries back in September. I recommend determining the size of at least 140x400 cm. I placed the seedlings around the perimeter and installed bumpers so that the plants would not spread around the site.
I chose a place that was evenly lit by the sun. He removed the top layer of soil and replaced it with peat. Then it was slightly acidified with water, to which a small amount of oxalic acid was added. Then poured 15 g of ammonium and 75 g of potassium sulfate.
The seedling was transferred by transshipment to reduce injury to the root system. Sprinkled with a layer of soil in such a way that the root neck was located above the soil at the same height as in the container.
Then he slightly compacted the soil, spilled and mulched with coarse sand.
In conclusion, I want to say that it is quite possible to grow cranberries on your site. It is enough to correctly determine the place, prepare it, adhere to the rules for landing. And after 3 years, enjoy large, tasty and healthy berries.
And what unusual plant did you grow in your summer cottage? Share in the comments.
Read also: What can not be done when pickling cabbage? We analyze the main mistakes
Friends, do not forget to subscribe to the channel and leave a LIKE if the article is useful!
#garden cranberry#cultivation and care#garden