Is it possible to plant different varieties of currants side by side?
Planting different varieties nearby will lead to an increase in yield, since cross-pollination causes an increase in the number of ovaries and the berries become larger.
Varieties must belong to the same species. Various varieties of red and white currants get along well side by side, and their proximity is favorable. But it is better to combine black berry varieties exclusively with each other.
Reference! Any variety is planted in an area protected from the wind.
They also pay attention to the short stature of certain varieties. Do not plant light-loving low-growing varieties under tall ones - this will lead to disease and death of the bushes.
Landing
Before planting, it is necessary to carry out all preparatory work. So, spring planting assumes that the soil should be prepared in the fall.
First, you need to carefully dig up the selected area to a depth of at least 40-45 cm, remove all weeds, especially perennials, and carry out liming if the soil is highly acidic.
Pit preparation
The average hole size for a currant bush is 50 cm in diameter and 40 cm in depth. The main thing is that the root system of the plant is in a straightened state when planting.
Preparation of the planting pit includes several stages:
- removal of the top fertile soil layer (15-20 cm);
- mixing it with fertilizers (compost (5 l) + wood ash (250 g) + superphosphate (35 g));
- pouring the mixture back into the hole and covering it with garden film before planting begins.
If it was not possible to prepare the hole in the fall, then all work can be carried out in early spring 1-1.5 months before planting the bushes.
At what depth to plant
The approximate depth of the planting hole is 0.4 m. It is the same for all varieties. A shallower depth will interfere with the normal rooting of the seedling and may lead to its death.
Fertilizers and fertilizers
All fertilizers can be divided by type:
- nitrogen;
- phosphorus;
- organic;
- complex.
Nitrogen fertilizers are necessary for normal growth and development of the crop.
The first feeding is carried out at the moment the buds open, the second – after 2 weeks. Depending on the region, a third application of fertilizer may be carried out. Urea is most often added, but many adherents of organic farming prefer organic types of fertilizing: barnyard, chicken manure, herbal infusions of dandelion, burdock and nettle.
Phosphorus fertilizers are needed when berries ripen and prepare for wintering, so superphosphate is used most often in the second half of summer or autumn. Often this type of feeding is combined with the addition of potassium sulfate to improve the plant’s immunity.
Complex fertilizers already contain the necessary dosages of potassium, phosphorus and nitrogen. They are easy to use and suitable for novice gardeners. It must be remembered that in the spring you need to use fertilizers with a high nitrogen content, and in the second half of summer and autumn - potassium-phosphorus fertilizers.
At what distance to plant
The distance between bushes may vary depending on the type of currant. So for black currants, the distance between the bushes can be 2 m. Red currants need to be planted at least 1.5 m apart, but for more compact golden and white ones, 1.25 m will be enough. With industrial propagation, the distance increases to 2.5-3 m between rows. This is done to allow the passage of heavy equipment. When planting along a fence, you must retreat at least 1 m from the fence. This link will tell you about the variety of Chinese cucumbers.
Planting methods
There are three ways to plant currants: through seedlings, cuttings and layering. Each has its own advantages and disadvantages. The use of seedlings greatly simplifies the process of planting crops, but there are also disadvantages:
- unexpected frosts can lead to the death of the material;
- the seedling may be infected or damaged;
- the cost of varietal planting material is quite high.
Planting by cuttings and layering will save your budget and give you an idea of future productivity, because the material is taken from already proven bushes.
However, these are more troublesome methods that require knowledge and experience, and therefore are not suitable for beginners in gardening. This material will tell you about the Chinese cold-resistant cucumber variety-F1.
Rules and step-by-step instructions
At the end of March, if all temperature conditions are met, you can begin planting work, which includes the following actions:
- half of the fertilized soil is removed from the hole;
- the hole is spilled with 1 bucket of water;
- the root system of the seedling is dipped in a clay mash;
- a small mound is formed in the hole, into which the straightened root system of the seedling is “recessed”;
- the root collar is deepened by 5-7 cm;
- the rest of the soil is filled in;
- the soil in the area of the tree trunk is lightly compacted;
- the seedling is watered again (1-2 buckets of water);
- mulched with sawdust or humus.
In early spring, before the buds appear, you can treat the young bush with Bordeaux mixture against aphids. This product is harmless to the plant, but it perfectly destroys pests that appear on the first young leaves.
The importance of following the rules of crop rotation when growing currants
Compliance with the rules of crop rotation is of great importance not only for annual plants, but also for shrubs and trees. Rotation of crops has a positive effect on the availability of nutrients in the soil and reduces the risk of plant infection.
It is not recommended to plant currants after:
- plants of the same family;
- having common pests and diseases;
- plants with the same requirements for microelements in the soil.
Precursors saturate the soil with organic matter and improve soil quality. This berry bush grows best after sunflowers, corn, and grains. They aerate the soil, saturate it with microelements, do not emit substances toxic to currants and destroy pests.
It is not recommended to plant bushes after gooseberries and raspberries. They reduce the nutritional value of the soil and saturate the soil with pathogenic microorganisms.
Plants growing nearby are of great importance for the growth and development of currants. Among them there are competitors of this berry, and garden crops that are completely compatible with it.
Important! It is recommended to plant currants in an area where they have already grown no earlier than after 6 years.
Specifics of growing berry crops without trellises
The use of supporting structures requires additional financial expenditure. First, they need to be installed correctly. They can be concrete, wood or made of metal. Trellis are usually sold already treated with a solution to increase resistance to bad weather and harmful beetles. Horizontal slats, usually made of wood, are attached to them.
They also take wire to support currant bushes. The use of trellises is beneficial for currants and leads to increased productivity. In the fall, the trellises are removed, and in the spring, they are put up again. If you leave them, then during precipitation, the shoots may break.
If you plant currant bushes at a distance of 1.5 meters between them, you cannot do without supports. When growing, plantings will occupy the entire free area. It will be difficult to access them when leaving. You don’t need to use trellises if you plant currants at a distance of 3 meters. The berries will get dirty in the ground, but mulching the soil with mowed grass will eliminate the problem.
Good neighbors for red currants
The root system of the shrub is located at an average depth, so it has few competitors in extracting moisture and nutrients from the soil. Plants with shallow root systems will do well with this berry. The bush does not provide much shade, so low-growing garden crops can be planted under it.
Good neighbors will be:
- Onion. Does not consume excess moisture and needs light for quality development. Grows well between red currant bushes. The pungent smell of onions repels most pests, in particular bud mites.
- Gooseberry. The optimal neighbor for red berries. Both crops flower at the same time, and their cross-pollination significantly increases yield. The root system of these berry bushes is located directly under them, without unraveling to the sides. This allows them to obtain moisture and nutrients from the soil without limiting each other.
For black
The following are suitable neighbors for black currants:
- Honeysuckle. Shrubs develop well and bear fruit when nearby. Their chemical composition is similar, so the proximity will be favorable.
- Yoshta . Being a hybrid of gooseberries and currants, it coexists in the same area with these crops.
- Strawberry. The sharp aroma of currants repels many pests from strawberries, and frequent watering has a beneficial effect on the size and sweetness of the berries.
- Garlic. The bud mite, a dangerous pest of currants, is afraid of the spicy smell of garlic. This proximity has a positive effect on berry bushes.
How to properly care for an apple tree after planting
In the spring after planting, to stimulate the development of stems, the central shoot is cut into 2-3 buds. Subsequent stages of formation are carried out within a year after landing.
In the first year after planting they need regular watering.
Plants are watered immediately after planting. In summer, the tree trunk circle is irrigated 3–5 times depending on temperature conditions. The hotter the weather, the more the tree needs to be watered. If the apple tree grows in chernozem or loamy soil, it is enough to pour 7–15 liters of water under the seedling. In a sandy substrate, the need for moisture increases, so up to 20 liters of water are spent on one tree.
Important! After watering, loosen the soil in the tree trunk circle. Otherwise, the soil will form a crust, and the root system will be poorly saturated with oxygen. Taking into account the above recommendations, the gardener can easily determine the optimal scheme for planting apple trees
To do this, it is only important to know the varietal characteristics of the seedlings. By choosing the correct distance between the trees, the plants will actively develop and begin to bear fruit successfully.
Taking into account the above recommendations, the gardener can easily determine the optimal scheme for planting apple trees.
To do this, it is only important to know the varietal characteristics of the seedlings. By choosing the correct distance between the trees, the plants will actively develop and begin to bear fruit successfully.
Bad neighbors for red currants
Red currants have competitors in the plant world. To prevent low yields and possible death of the shrub, it is recommended to plant it at a distance of 5 m from these plants:
- Plum. This plant is not a competitor in the fight for nutrients, but it has a shady crown. Without sunlight, the berry bush stops bearing fruit and grows poorly.
- Cherries. It has an overgrown rhizome, which deprives the bushes of nutrients. This leads not only to low fruiting, but also to possible death.
- Raspberries. It has a large root system penetrating deep into the soil. It not only deprives the bush of nutrition and moisture, but also interferes with its development, reducing living space due to the growth of young shoots.
- Cherry. The crop shades the bush; its root shoots deprive the currant of nutrients. In addition, plants require different soil compositions.
For black
Garden plants not only struggle for space, light, water and nutrients, but also have common pests.
Unfavorable neighborhood:
- Red and white currants. Different needs for sunlight and moisture lead to the fact that the yield of shrubs drops to almost zero.
- Gooseberry. White gooseberries are susceptible to the same diseases as black berries. The pests of these plants are also the same. Planting them together will lead to massive development of diseases and uncontrolled proliferation of pests.
- Raspberries. It grows, does not allow other plants to develop, and absorbs all the moisture.
Further care
Planting is only the first stage in growing currants. It is important to provide shrubs with proper care. Agricultural technology includes the following measures.
Watering | Plants are watered approximately once every 5 days at the rate of 20–30 liters of water per bush. During cool rainy periods, reduce it. |
Feeding | When applying fertilizers to the planting hole, fertilizing will not be needed for the first 2 years. Then the bushes are fed 2 times a year: in the spring at the beginning of the growing season - with nitrogen, in the fall after harvesting - with organic matter. |
Trimming | Sanitary pruning is necessary before the beginning of the growing season and at the end of sap flow. Within its framework, diseased, broken, non-fruit-bearing branches and branches that thicken the crown are removed. |
Mulching | It is advisable to mulch the tree trunk circle after watering. Compost, peat, straw, sawdust, hay or leaves are used as mulch. |
Weeding | Weeds are removed as they grow. |
Preventative treatments | Spraying against diseases and pests is carried out based on what infections and parasites can affect the variety. |
Important! The table provides only a brief description of care measures.
When growing currants, pay attention to the variety and its characteristics. The overall development of currants depends on the correct distance between plants. Also, do not forget about the subtleties of planting itself. Further care of the plantings is also important. With proper cultivation, the gardener will annually collect many tasty and healthy berries.
At what distance from the fence should I plant currants?
There is a specific list of planting standards. The minimum distance of the bushes from the fence that separates the neighboring plot is 1 m. If you need to plant red, yellow or black currants closer to the fence, you can agree on this with the owner of the neighboring plot by drawing up a written agreement.
Site selection and preparation
To properly plant currants, it is worth checking the soil type. The shrub loves humus, hence the preferences - gray forest, wet areas with loam. If you choose a black variety for planting, then the best soil option is slightly acidic.
The higher the acidity level, the worse the survival rate of the plant. Tip: deoxidize with lime.
The development of the bush will be faster if the location is selected in accordance with the recommendations:
- lack of swampiness;
- plain;
- windless side;
- without the presence of trees and shading buildings.
It is not always possible to choose a flat place to plant currants. You can get out of the situation: drain the moist soil, make mounds for the bushes with leveling.
The light level is high, but with some shading. To do this, a row of corn or other tall crop is planted.