How to Grow Currants: Secrets of Care and Planting

Currants are not only a tasty and aromatic berry, but also a valuable source of vitamins and microelements.

Currants can grow in one place for up to 10 years, bringing a bountiful harvest every year. But in order to achieve such a result, you need to properly care for currant bushes and follow several secrets.

Let's look at the advice of the expert of the online publication "Belnovosti" and scientist-agronomist Anastasia Kovrizhnykh.

Selecting a landing site and time

Currants like sunny and wind-protected areas with loose and fertile soil. Avoid shaded and damp places, as this can lead to the development of diseases and pests.

It is best to plant currants in the fall, at the end of September - beginning of October. This way you will give the plant time to take root and adapt to new conditions before winter. When planted in the spring, currants may not take root well and may not bloom for a long time.

Preparing the soil and seedlings

Before planting, the soil should be dug to a depth of 25-30 cm, removing weeds and stones. Add 5-10 kg of organic fertilizers (compost, humus, peat) and 30-40 g of mineral fertilizers (superphosphate, potassium salt, ammonium nitrate) to each hole.

It is also useful to add 1-2 tablespoons of wood ash or 1 teaspoon of crushed eggshells, which contain calcium and magnesium to form a strong stem and healthy fruits.

Choose healthy and strong seedlings with a well-developed root system. Trim damaged or too long roots to 15-20 cm.

Dip the roots in water with 1 teaspoon of honey or sugar added to stimulate their growth. Plant the seedlings at a depth of 5-7 cm from the soil level, distributing the roots in different directions. Fill the hole with soil, tamp it down and water with warm water.

Caring for currants during the season

Currants need regular watering, especially during the flowering and fruiting period. Water the plants in the morning or evening, avoiding water getting on the leaves and berries. After watering, loosen the soil and remove weeds.

Fertilize currants 2-3 times per season: in spring before flowering, in summer after harvesting, and in autumn before covering for the winter. Use organic and mineral fertilizers for fertilizing, alternating them.

Protect currants from diseases and pests by conducting preventive inspections and spraying. For this, you can use both chemical and folk remedies (for example, infusion of garlic, tobacco, onions, pine needles, etc.).

Prune currants in autumn or early spring, removing old, weak and damaged shoots. Leave 10-15 strong branches of different ages (from 1 to 5 years) on the bush. Also pinch the tops of young shoots to stimulate the development of lateral branches.

Earlier we wrote about how to protect trees in the garden from hares.