Actinidia: how to feed the vine in spring
Actinidia is a perennial tree-like vine. In household plots, it is grown not only for decorative purposes, although the bush looks very beautiful and is just a find for creating vertical decorative compositions due to the variegated color of the leaves and the incredible beauty of the inflorescences. In addition, actinidia also produces fruits, the size and taste of which differ depending on the variety. In some varieties, they are small and smell like pineapple, others are larger and slightly resemble ordinary gooseberries, and still others are practically indistinguishable from furry kiwi. However, in general, the berries are very tasty and sweet.
In order to grow a strong healthy plant, and besides, get a harvest from it, it is necessary to feed actinidia in a timely manner, it is especially important to do this in the spring. The culture responds well to the introduction of both organic and mineral fertilizers.
Organic food
In the spring actinidia needs organic matter to activate growth processes. The first feeding should be carried out in early April, when the buds begin to actively bloom. It is necessary to spread rotted manure around the bush, the layer thickness should be at least 5 cm. The manure will provide actinidia with the necessary amount of nitrogen, in addition, it will serve as mulch. Weeds grow under it not very willingly, but moisture in the soil lasts longer.
The second time it is necessary to add organic matter after the end of flowering. Actinidia responds well to feeding based on waste from birds and cattle. Under one adult bush you will need to pour at least 2 buckets of working solution. Its concentration depends on what served as the basis for the infusion:
- chicken droppings - diluted 1:20;
- mullein - for 1 part of the infusion 10 parts of water.
During the season, it is enough to feed the actinidia twice. When growing vines on poor soils, in order to achieve an increase in yield, additional application of complex mineral preparations will be required.
Mineral dressing
To stimulate the formation of young shoots, increase productivity, as well as the winter hardiness of actinidia, in the spring it is necessary to carry out two mineral dressings. In late March - early April, add 1 sq. m. area where liana grows:
- 35 g of nitrogen fertilizers;
- 20 g of preparations containing potassium and phosphorus.
Actinidia does not tolerate lime and fertilizers containing chlorine.
The second time, such a mineral fertilizer will need to be applied at the stage of fruit setting, while the proportions of the preparations must be halved.