The distance between the currant bushes when planting from each other: what should be

When planting currants, a certain distance between the bushes is observed, other nuances are taken into account that determine the growth of plants and the quality of the crop. Proper care and optimal environmental conditions are of no small importance. The most suitable for culture is a temperate climate. Tips from experienced gardeners will help you grow resilient bushes and get a generous harvest.

Necessary conditions for growing currants

Perennial shrubs bear fruit in the 2-3rd year after planting. The life expectancy of plants is 25-30 years.The highest productivity of individual branches of black currant is observed within 4-5 years, branches of red currant - for 6-8 years. The minimum list of requirements is as follows:

• groundwater level - from 1-1.5 m；
• natural light - at least half a daylight；
• fertile soil - light loamy, sandy loamy soil with low acidity or neutral；
• ground moisture level - regular watering of bushes to prevent drying out (mulching eliminates the need for regular monitoring of soil moisture, frequent loosening and weeding)；
• fertilizer application - organics for sandy and heavy soils, lime for acidic soils.

Distance between bushes

To get the expected results, you must definitely understand at what distance to plant currant bushes from each other.The optimal distance between the bushes is 1 m. When planting in one row, a distance of 0.8 to 2 m is allowed, when planting in several rows - up to 3 m. 2-2.5 m are allocated for row spacing.

The parameters vary depending on the currant variety chosen for planting, the location of the plot of land, soil characteristics and the formation of bushes. If the crown is spreading, the bushes are as far away from each other as possible. For straight currants and plants of compact size, the distance is minimal.

How far from the fence to plant currants？

There is a certain list of planting norms. The minimum distance of bushes from the fence that separates the neighboring plot is 1 m. If necessary, plant red, yellow or black currants closer to the fence, you can agree on this with the owner of the neighboring plot by issuing a written agreement.

Cultivation of currants without trellises

Currants are planted with the onset of autumn. If the weather is warm, planting dates are extended until mid-October. In case of early frosts, the bushes are dug in, planting is carried out in the first spring month. On illuminated plots of land, seedlings with developed roots take root well.

Digging holes 35-45 cm deep separately or preparing a continuous trench. It is recommended to wait for the earth to shrink and start planting shrubs a week after the formation of the recesses. Compost or rotted manure is placed at the bottom of each hole. For soil with a high level of acidity, an oxidizing agent is used in the form of chalk or eggshells crushed in a coffee grinder.

Ashes have to be poured into the ground every year, because the calcium contained in it is poorly retained, washed out by groundwater.

The soil is watered, the seedlings are placed in holes at an angle of 45 °, so that surplus roots and new shoots are better formed (if you plant plants without tilt, they will be single-stemmed). The straightened roots are buried in the ground 5-7 cm above the root neck and gradually fall asleep. If such a scheme is followed, strong bushes grow.

It is more convenient to plant plants together, when one person holds the seedling, and the second digs it in. Plants are watered immediately using up to 4 buckets of water. The earth is carefully tamped in the direction of the trunk. Then the bushes are cut in half, with a strong root system - by a third.

Thanks to pruning, the balance of the root system is restored, a good increase is observed in the first year.

Gardening Tips

To create a picturesque garden, you need to ensure proper placement, taking into account compatibility.It is desirable to allocate separate areas for different plant species. If this is not possible, they retreat several meters from fruit trees so that they do not shade the currants. It is recommended to proceed as follows:

• Choose plots with a groundwater level of at least 1 m above the ground.
• Choose a flat piece of land. A slight slope is allowed. For a good harvest, it is important that water and cold air do not stagnate. Elevated areas are not suitable for currants, as the bushes suffer from dry winds in summer.
• Remove wheatgrass along with its roots or pre-treat the soil with a herbicide so that the weed does not drown out young currants and does not reduce the quality of the crop of adult bushes.
• Plant three bushes in each hole in order to increase the yield by 2-3 times. In this case, also maintain an angle of 45°.
• Prepare foliar top dressing in cloudy weather. During the flowering period, the plants are sprayed with a product prepared on the basis of manganese sulfate (1 tsp) and boric acid (0.5 tsp). The components are dissolved in 10 liters of warm water up to 40 °C. When forming ovaries for the same amount of liquid, a glass of superphosphate and 3 tbsp. l. urea. In cloudy weather, plants absorb nutrients better, the yield and quality of berries increase several times.

Currant does not require special care, it is enough to provide the basic conditions. However, in order to increase productivity, it is worth listening to the advice of experienced gardeners and performing additional manipulations. The planting of bushes is carried out taking into account the norms for planting plants, if necessary, they agree to violate them with the owner of the neighboring plot.

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