How to maintain currant health and fertility through pruning

UAportal has prepared tips for pruning currants. It is important for gardeners to focus on cleaning, fertilizing and protecting the bushes from pests and diseases.

Pruning is essential to promote optimal fruiting. However, before you start, it is advisable to inspect the plant for any signs of disease or pests.

Ideally, currant bushes should be pruned before the buds begin to swell. Use secateurs to find and remove any frozen, dried, broken, or crooked branches. Remove any weeds that may be overrunning the plant. Get rid of old, brown shoots that overly compact the bush.

Next, carry out a formative pruning, leaving about 5 buds on the shoots and cutting off the rest of the lateral processes. For red and white currants that bear fruit for several years, it is useful to keep both old and new shoots. However, any damaged or unusable branches can be removed.

If you notice swollen buds, this is an indication of a bud mite infestation. Remove those quickly before the pests spread throughout the bush.

When pruning, be sure to inspect the core of the cut. A dark color may indicate the presence of codling moth.

To further support the growth of currant bushes, fertilize them with nutrient-rich fertilizers that can be purchased at specialized stores. Follow the recommended dosage indicated on the product packaging.

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