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Cherry-sized blackcurrants: 3 steps only 1% of gardeners take
23.02.2025 12:32
You pick currants and the berries are the size of a pea?
Most gardeners don't realize that the key to a giant harvest isn't watering or pruning, but three game-changing fertilizers.
Invisible mulch
A layer of mown grass and potato peelings under the bush works as a "smart" nutrient conveyor. Organic matter decomposes gradually, giving off nitrogen and potassium, and onion peels scare away the kidney mite - the main enemy of currants.
To speed up the process, water the mulch with a solution of EM preparations (1 tbsp. per 10 l of water) once every two weeks.
Sprinkle some humus on top - this will hide plant debris and protect the roots from overheating.
Do not loosen the soil under the bushes after mulching! Damage to the surface roots is the cause of small and sour berries. Instead of a shovel, use a pitchfork: carefully lift the mulch layer for aeration.
Boric attack on the barren flower
During flowering, currants lose up to 40% of their ovaries due to boron deficiency.
Spray the bushes with a solution of boric acid (3 g per 10 l of water) - dissolve the crystals in hot water, otherwise they will settle to the bottom. Boron "glues" the pollen, increasing pollination, and strengthens the flower stalks.
But don’t miss the deadline: treatment after the buds open is useless.
Potassium-phosphorus finish
As soon as the ovaries become the size of a pea, give the currant a “doption”: 1 tbsp. of potassium sulfate per 10 liters of water per bush. Potassium increases the sugar content and size of the berries. After 20 days, add ammophos (1 tbsp. per 10 liters) — phosphorus will speed up ripening and prevent shedding.
But do not mix fertilizers! A break between feedings is a must, otherwise the roots will get a chemical burn.
Follow this plan, and in a season your neighbors will be asking if there is a currant tree growing on your property. The main thing is not to reveal the secrets: let them think it is magic!