Every summer resident dreams of a currant bush, on which the berries are large, dense and grow one to one. This is possible even without elite varieties, if you give the plant the right nutrition in time. It is in April and May that the future harvest is laid. If you skip this moment, the berries will be small and the branches will be empty. The author of the Zen channel “sadogorod81” (12+) spoke about this.
April: helping the bush wake up
As soon as the snow melts and the buds begin to swell, currants need nitrogen. It is responsible for the growth of shoots and leaves. Without it, the bush will be weak and the berries will be small.
If you have access to organic matter, use:
- Chicken droppings – 0.5 liters of infusion per bucket of water
- Mullein – 1 liter per bucket of water
About a bucket of solution is poured under each adult bush, but not under the trunk, but in a circle.
If there is no organic matter, urea or ammonium nitrate will do – 1 tbsp. spoon on a bucket of water. Water the same around the perimeter of the bush.
Important: if spring is dry, water first with clean water so as not to burn the roots.
Additionally: when the buds are just swollen, you can spray the bush with a weak urea solution. This provides nutrition through the leaves and helps fight fungi.
May: working on the size and taste of the berries
During flowering and setting berries, currants need potassium and phosphorus. They make the berries large, sweet and strong.
The best remedy is wood ash. Fill a liter jar of ash with a bucket of hot water, leave for a day, then water the bush.
If you use minerals:
- Superphosphate – 1 tbsp. spoon on bucket
- Potassium sulfate – 1 tbsp. spoon on bucket
Water only on damp soil.
If the weather is cold or rainy, bees have trouble flying. Then boric acid will help: 1 teaspoon per 10 liters of water. Spray flowers in the middle of the day. This will improve tying.
What else is important in May
You can put rotted compost under the bushes. It works like mulch and releases its nutrition slowly.
Be sure to cut out branches older than 4 years, as they do not produce a harvest, but take away strength.
Don’t forget about watering: in dry weather, pour 2-3 buckets under the bush once a week. The water should go deep, to the roots.
With proper care in July, the bush can really bend under the weight of berries. They will be large, fragrant and sweet.
