Content
Transplanting blueberries to a new place in the fall is an important and responsible step. The further development of the bush depends on its implementation. To prevent the plant from being damaged during transplantation, it is important to find a suitable place for it and prepare the substrate. The shrub adapts more quickly to new conditions if it is given good care.
In what cases is it necessary to transplant blueberries to another place?
In nature, a blueberry bush grows in one place for up to 100 years. Cultural forms planted on a dacha or personal plot bear fruit for 50 - 60 years. However, the plant does not always take root well in a new place. Then it is necessary to replant the bush.
The need to transplant blueberries to another location often appears in the following cases:
- external factors (growth of neighboring trees and shrubs, changes in landscape design, etc.);
- soil depletion;
- bush rejuvenation;
- propagation of culture.
Gardeners have to replant blueberries if the wrong site has been chosen for them.For example, the substrate was not prepared when planting, and the plant develops poorly. In addition, the area can be flooded with meltwater in the spring, which leads to the death of the bush.
Blueberries may suffer from external influences. If nearby crops grow quickly, they inhibit the development of other plants. As a result, blueberries do not receive enough light and nutrients.
If blueberries grow in one place for too long, the soil gradually becomes depleted. This negatively affects the growth of the bush. In such situations, replanting and preparing a new substrate for the culture helps.
Over time, the bush ages and produces less yield. Replanting the bush and dividing it into parts helps save the situation. As a result, several new seedlings are obtained. This is how culture rejuvenates.
When is the best time to replant blueberries?
There are several options when you can transplant blueberries to another place. Each of them has its own advantages and disadvantages, which should be taken into account before starting work. Specific dates are chosen taking into account weather conditions and the condition of the bush.
It is most preferable to transplant in early spring or late autumn. During such periods, the plant best tolerates changes in external conditions. Transplantation in summer is also possible, but has a number of restrictions.
For spring replanting, choose the period when the snow melts and the soil warms up. It depends on the climate in the region and weather conditions. In the south, work is carried out until the end of March, in the middle zone - in April. In colder climates, transplanting is done in May.
Without restrictions, you can replant blueberries in the spring in the middle zone, in the North-West, the Urals and Siberia. It is recommended to complete the work before the buds open.If you are late with the deadlines, it will take more time to adapt.
Advantages of spring planting of shrubs:
- have time to adapt to a new place;
- there is no risk of cold weather;
- the ability to care for shrubs throughout the season.
Spring planting has a number of disadvantages:
- the growing season may begin earlier than suitable weather conditions;
- if spring frosts are predicted, you will have to postpone work until the fall or build a shelter for the bushes;
- the plant is provided with complete care: watering, fertilizing, mulching.
Summer replanting of shrubs is not the best option. If you disturb a plant during the growing season, it will disrupt its life rhythm. The procedure is especially dangerous during the period of flowering and ripening of berries. If it is necessary to replant bushes in the summer, then first completely harvest the crop.
Young bushes that have not yet begun to bear fruit best tolerate summer replanting. Usually the berries on the first bushes ripen in the 2nd – 4th year after planting. If you transplant a five-year-old blueberry in the summer, the plant will direct its energy to adapt to new conditions. There is a high probability that next year the yield will be minimal.
The main advantages of summer transplantation:
- the berry plant will not suffer from frost;
- Suitable for working with plants in containers.
Disadvantages of transplanting blueberries in summer:
- the growth and development of the bush is disrupted;
- the plant needs more energy to adapt.
Autumn replanting is practiced in the south. The work is carried out in November, 2 - 3 weeks before the onset of cold weather. In other regions, bushes are replanted in October.In this case, they wait until the end of the growing season, when the leaves have fallen. If frosts are predicted in the region, it is better to postpone replanting until spring. There is a high probability that blueberries will die when exposed to cold.
In autumn, the plant goes into a dormant period and tolerates replanting well. At the same time, the blueberry root system continues to grow. Therefore, by the beginning of winter, she has time to adapt to new conditions.
Benefits of replanting blueberries in the fall:
- high survival rate of bushes;
- the adaptation period will take place in the fall, and in the spring the blueberries will immediately begin to grow;
- After transplantation, the plants require minimal care: just enough watering and shelter for the winter.
Disadvantages of autumn transplantation:
- blueberries may be damaged by sudden cold weather;
- In winter, bushes are more often damaged by rodents;
- for young bushes they provide shelter for the winter.
How to transplant blueberries correctly
When transplanting blueberries, it is important to think through several nuances. A suitable location is chosen for the culture, after which the substrate is prepared. The order of work does not depend on the time of year and remains unchanged.
Site selection and soil preparation
Blueberries are transplanted to a sunny place, away from large trees, buildings and fences. In the shade, the bush grows slowly, its yield decreases, and the berries do not gain sugars. Areas in lowlands where moisture and cold air accumulate are not suitable for replanting.
Particular attention is paid to the pH level of the soil. The optimal indicator for the crop is from 3.5 to 5. It is measured using a special device. If the acidity of the soil is insufficient, prepare a special substrate.
After transplanting, blueberries grow well in acidic peat. Coniferous forest litter, wood chips, rotted sawdust, and coarse sand are added to the substrate. A hole is dug at the chosen location.Its dimensions depend on the size of the bush. Typically, a pit with a depth of 60 cm and a diameter of 1 m is suitable for transplantation. The walls of the pit are insulated with polyethylene or tin sheets.
If the site has dense soil, then it is necessary to create a drainage layer. Crushed stone, expanded clay, and broken brick are suitable for it. Drainage is poured into the bottom of the planting hole. As a result, a layer 10-15 cm thick is obtained. Then the prepared substrate is transferred to the pit.
How to replant blueberries
To transplant blueberries to a new location, follow the instructions:
- Prepare the planting hole and substrate. The bush is planted on a small hill or ridge.
- Blueberries are inspected, old or dry shoots and young shoots are removed. The remaining branches are cut in half.
- They retreat 20 cm from the center of the bush and dig under it from all sides.
- The plant is removed from the ground. There is no need to pull it by the shoots: this can seriously damage the blueberries.
- To protect the roots, they are wrapped in tarpaulin.
- The bush is transferred to the prepared hole.
- The bush is placed on the ridge, its roots are covered and watered abundantly.
- The ground is mulched with peat.
Blueberries are also transplanted into containers. They are placed on the veranda, gazebo or terrace. In this case, prepare a large ceramic container or wooden box for transplantation. Be sure to make drainage holes and put small stones on the bottom. Acid peat is prepared for the culture. After transplantation, the plant is watered, and rotted pine litter is poured into the tree trunk circle.
Blueberry care after transplantation
If the transplant took place in the fall, then the plant is no longer watered or fed. The supply of moisture and nutrients stimulates the development of the bush.Before the onset of cold weather, it is prepared for winter: it is hilled and mulched with peat. A frame is built over the young blueberries, to which any non-woven fabric is attached.
If blueberries are transplanted to a new place in the spring, then they are provided with good care. Watering and fertilizing begin after 2 - 3 weeks. During this time, adaptation to new conditions occurs.
Subsequently, the bush is watered 1-2 times during the week. At the same time, do not allow the soil to dry out and moisture to stagnate in the soil. Mulching the soil with peat or pine needles helps maintain an optimal level of humidity.
After transplanting in the spring, blueberries are fed with ammonium sulfate or urea. Add 10 g of fertilizer to 10 liters of water. During flowering and fruiting they switch to potassium sulfate and superphosphate. A large bucket of water requires 30 g of each substance. It is convenient to use complex fertilizers for crops that contain all the necessary substances.
Conclusion
Transplanting blueberries to a new location in the fall will help improve the conditions in which the bush grows. It is best to carry out the procedure in autumn or spring. In some cases, a summer transplant is allowed. The area for the crop is first prepared: a hole is dug and deoxidizers are added.
