How to Grow Great Currants and Gooseberries

Growing currants and gooseberries requires very little care. They can be used in a variety of jams, jellies, and other recipes. Here are some tips to help you grow delicious currants and gooseberries in your back yard.

These fruit bushes are a possible host of the disease called white pine blister rust. This means they are regulated in some areas. However, this disease is only a threat if there are white pine trees growing within 900 feet of the currant or gooseberry bushes.

There are many varieties of currant and gooseberry bushes. There are also two colors of berries. You can choose from both green and red berries.

These fruit bushes both prefer cooler regions. They will do well in areas that have full sun to semi-shade. The plants should be planted during the fall months. The leaves develop early in the springtime and planting in the fall will help make sure the leaves develop as they should. You should plant your currant and gooseberry bushes at least 5 feet apart. Use mulch around the bushes to keep the weeds under control and help keep the moisture in the soil. Most bushes will bear fruit within 2 years of planting. There is no need to have more than one bush. Both of these fruits are self-fruiting and do not need cross pollination.

The bushes of both currants and gooseberries will need to be trimmed to 6 to 12 inches after planting. Each spring, the bushes will need the old growth canes removed at the soil line. If you do not want an entire thicket of weak and unproductive canes, you should get rid of any growth that roots between the plants.

Currants and gooseberries will ripen early. Be ready to harvest them around the 4^th of July. When you are harvesting currants pick them just before they are completely ripe. This will give you the best tasting berry. Gooseberries, however, do not need to be picked until they are fully ripe. They can stay on the bush for two weeks after they are ripe without spoiling. Be sure to wear gloves when harvesting either of these bushes. The berries should be picked from one stem at a time.

The biggest problem you will have with your currant and gooseberry bushes is birds. The only way to be sure to keep the birds from eating all your berries is to cover them entirely with netting. There are no other real threats from other pests and diseases.

Currants and gooseberries are delicious and can be used in many jams, jellies, and other recipes. The dishes you prepare will taste so much better when the fruit is fresh from your own back yard garden. Hopefully, these tips will help you grow as many currants and gooseberries as you and your family can enjoy.

SOURCE

Editors "Better Homes and Gardens" magazine. "New Garden Book". 1990. Better Homes and Gardens Books. Des Moines, Iowa.