When to plant currants in your garden?
Many novice gardeners are wondering when to plant currants? Experts say that this berry crop can be planted both in spring and autumn. At the same time, young seedlings develop equally well, and begin to bear fruit actively after 2-3 years.
When is it better to plant currant bushes?
Any types and varieties of currants can be planted in the fall. During the winter, the land around the young bush will settle and compact well. Such bushes grow early in the spring and develop well in a new place.
When planting in autumn, the soil around a young plant should be mulched with fallen leaves, peat, compost or rotted manure. Mulch will retain moisture in the ground and protect young currants from freezing of the root system on frosty days.
Most often, young seedlings of this berry culture are planted in September. At the same time, young plants have time to take root quickly.
When to plant currants in the Moscow region? The best time to plant this crop is the end of September - the first half of October. At this time, the kidneys are already entering a resting phase.
How to plant in autumn?
A year before planting currants, compost or rotted manure is introduced into the soil. Before planting, seedlings undergo special processing. Damaged and dry branches and roots are removed from them. After that, the root system is dipped in a "chatterbox" of clay diluted in water. It will prevent it from drying out.
The planting density of a given crop depends on the species and variety. When placing it, the fertility of the soil and the shape of the crown of the bushes are also taken into account. The most spreading and tall varieties are planted less often than currants of a more compact form. The spacing between the bushes should be 1-1.5 m.
One of the main features of planting young currants is the deepening of the root collar of the seedling 6-9 cm below ground level. In this case, the planting material is placed in an inclined position.
Thanks to this method of planting, a spreading bush with a wide base is formed faster. Also, the inclined position of the seedling contributes to the formation of additional roots and shoots. If the gardener wants to get a standard currant bush, then the seedling is planted without deepening in an upright position. In such plants, shoot renewal will be rather weak.
Before planting currants, it is necessary to prepare the planting pits. Their size should be 40x40 cm or 40x50 cm. Compost or rotted humus is poured at the bottom of the pit. All the roots of the seedlings are straightened. Then they are evenly sprinkled with soil, carefully compacting it. It is recommended to periodically shake the seedlings so that it completely fills the voids around the plant's root system.
After filling the hole by 2/3, produce abundant watering (0.5 buckets per hole). After completely filling the planting hole and compacting the soil, the seedling is watered again (0.5 buckets).
After planting all the bushes, the land around the trunk is mulched with rotted foliage, humus, compost, peat. This procedure will prevent the formation of a crust and retain the moisture necessary for rapid rooting of currants.
How to plant black currants in spring
In areas where there is little snow in winter, it is better to plant young bushes in early spring. Planting material purchased in the fall can be dug into the ground. Such seedlings are shaded in early spring or cut short in order to prevent rapid bud break.The currants are planted in a permanent place after the soil has completely thawed. The best period for planting currants is early April - May. Plants planted later take root less well and greatly inhibit development.
When planting currants in spring, the preparation of pits and the entire process of planting seedlings are carried out, as in the autumn planting. Pour 2 tbsp into the landing pit. tablespoons of superphosphate and potassium salt (can be replaced with two glasses of chopped wood ash). Compost or humus is poured at the bottom of the pit. Mix the earth with this mass using a shovel. After planting, all branches are cut short, making a cut above the healthy buds. Currants are watered every 2-3 days. Novice gardeners need to know that black currant tolerates spring planting somewhat worse than autumn planting.
How to plant red currants?
Planting process red and other types of currants are practically no different from planting black currants. Well-lit areas with high soil moisture are chosen for these bushes. Well-drained loams with a slightly acidic reaction are ideal for currants. The distance between the bushes of red and white currant should be about 1.5 m.