Although fruit bushes bear fruit without pruning, it is recommended to carry out this procedure every year in the spring so that the bush does not become too thick.
This is especially important for currants, which produce abundant growth every year.
After thinning, the berries will grow larger and sweeter, and the risk of fungal diseases on the fruits and leaves will decrease, because the plant will be well ventilated and exposed to the sun.
How to prune currants in spring
Step 1: Remove damaged shoots
Before pruning, check the bush for damaged, dry and diseased branches. These branches should be removed.
Even if you did this in the fall, you should check the bushes again in the spring, because winter frosts could have damaged some of the branches.
Step 2: Remove old branches
Old branches should be removed completely. Not only do they take up space, but they can also be a source of diseases and pests. In black currants, the intensity of fruiting decreases on branches that are more than 3 years old. In red and white currants, a decline in fruiting is observed after 4-5 years.
Step 3. Removing excess growth
Excess annual shoots should be cut out. Experienced gardeners advise cutting out 2-3 old branches every year and leaving 2-3 of the strongest young shoots to replace them. This way, the bush will be evenly renewed every year and bear fruit abundantly. Excess last year's shoots should be removed. When the leaves bloom, they will create a strong shadow, which will negatively affect the size and taste of the berries.
When to perform the procedure
You should prune as soon as severe frosts have passed. It is recommended to wait until the end of February or March (it all depends on the weather).
The temperature outside at the time of pruning should be at least -8 °C, so that fresh cuts do not freeze. It is better to wait until the daytime temperature is consistently above zero. Light frosts are possible at night.
The procedure is best performed in dry, sunny weather in the middle of the day. Then the wounds will dry quickly, which will reduce the risk of infection with bacterial and fungal diseases.
Important! Use only very sharp tools. For thin shoots, a classic garden pruner is enough, for thicker branches you will need a narrow saw or scissors with an extended handle, which are usually used for trees. They will allow you to remove old branches even in inaccessible places.
After the currants have been cut, you need to inspect the remaining buds. Deformed (swollen) ones should be removed and burned, as they are inhabited by bud mites. After pruning, you should feed the bush with organic and mineral fertilizers. This will help increase the yield and improve the quality of the berries.
