Process of Establishing a Blackcurrant Shrub
Grow Your Own Blackcurrant Bush in just 45 minutes! Here's how:
You'll Need:- Blackcurrant bush- Garden fork- Garden spade- Peat-free compost- Fertiliser- Secateurs
Let's Get Started!
- Choosing the Perfect Location
- Choose an open, sunny site. Blackcurrants thrive in full sun, but they can tolerate some partial shade in warmer climates. Remember to protect them from strong winds for best growth.
- Prepping the Soil
- Blackcurrants grow best in well-draining, slightly acidic to neutral soil with a pH between 6.0 and 7.0. Enrich your soil by adding compost or well-rotted manure before planting.
- Purchasing Your Bush
- Buy a healthy, disease-free blackcurrant bush from a reputable nursery. Make sure it's suitable for your climate.
Planting for Success
- Digging the Hole
- Dig a hole that's twice as wide and the same depth as the root ball of your blackcurrant bush.
- Soil Preparation
- Mix in some compost or manure to improve the soil conditions.
- Planting the Bush
- Gently place the blackcurrant bush in the hole, ensuring the graft union (if present) is above the soil level.
- Fill the hole with soil, gently firming it around the roots to remove any air pockets. Water well to settle the soil.
- Mulching and Regular Watering
- Apply a layer of organic mulch around the base of the bush to retain moisture and suppress weeds.
- Keep the soil consistently moist, especially during the first year and in dry weather.
- Pruning
- Prune your blackcurrant bush in late winter or early spring to stimulate healthy growth and fruiting.
Extra Care
- Use netting or a fruit cage to protect your bush from birds and other pests that might damage the fruit.
Planting season is perfect for blackcurrant bushes, as mail order fruit nurseries have a host of bare-root plants available in autumn and winter. Happy growing!
- To ensure optimal growth, plant your new blackcurrant bush in a sunny location suitable for home-and-garden cultivation, with protection from strong winds.
- For a thriving gardening lifestyle, remember to invest in peat-free compost and fertiliser to supplement the soil around your home-grown blackcurrant bush, following the planting instructions.
