Fertilizing Currants in Spring: 5 Best Fertilizers for Berry Bushes
Currants are a popular and healthy berry crop that pleases gardeners with their aromatic and juicy fruits.
But in order to get a good harvest, you need to not only plant and trim the bushes correctly, but also feed them in a timely manner.
In spring, currants need additional nutrition to activate growth and development. What fertilizers are best for this? Let's consider 5 effective options.
Mineral fertilizers. They contain all the necessary elements for currants: nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium and microelements.
In spring, currants especially need nitrogen, which stimulates the growth of shoots and leaves.
You can use fertilizers such as urea, ammonium nitrate, azophoska or complex products for berry crops. The application rate is 20-30 g per bush. Mineral fertilizers are dissolved in water and watered under the root or scattered over the soil surface and slightly loosened.
Organic fertilizers. They enrich the soil with organic matter, improve its structure and moisture retention, increase its fertility and biological activity. Organic fertilizers include manure, humus, compost, herbal infusion, yeast solution and others. The application rate is 3-5 kg per bush. Organic fertilizers can be used in pure form or as solutions or infusions. They are distributed around the trunk ring and mulched or dug into the soil.
Wood ash. This is a valuable source of potassium, phosphorus, magnesium, calcium and other microelements for currants. Ash increases plant resistance to diseases and pests, promotes the formation of large and sweet berries. The application rate is 100-200 g per bush.
Ash can be mixed with other fertilizers or used on its own. It is scattered over the soil surface and watered or mulched.
Eggshells. This is an excellent material for feeding currants in the spring. The shell contains calcium, which strengthens the cell walls of plants, increases their immunity and protects against rot and spotting. The application rate is 100-150 g per bush. The shell must first be dried, crushed and sifted. It can be scattered over the soil surface or mixed into compost or humus.
Green manure. These are plants that are grown to improve the soil and feed other crops. Green manure enriches the soil with nitrogen and organic matter, suppresses weeds, improves the structure and water exchange of the soil, and attracts beneficial insects.
Green manure crops such as mustard, lupine, beans, peas, clover, alfalfa and others are well suited for currants. The sowing rate is 30-50 g per square meter. Green manure crops are sown before winter or in early spring under currants or between rows. Before flowering, they are trimmed and dug into the soil.
Fertilizing currants in spring is an important stage of caring for the bush, which will ensure its health and fertility.
Choose fertilizers according to the plant's needs and the soil condition. Do not overdo it with the doses and frequency of fertilizing, so as not to harm the currant. Follow safety rules when working with fertilizers and monitor the plant's reaction to them. Then your currant will delight you with its fragrant and juicy berries.
