CURRANTS.* 



0. M. TAYLOR. 



Location and soil. — Currants are by nature northern plants. 

 They do not thrive in the heat of the South and are there of no 

 commercial importance, but are found growing successfully only in 

 cooler climates and are uninjured in low temperatures which are 

 fatal to many other plants. They thrive best in the North Tem- 

 perate regions, in northern exposures, on cool, moist, retentive soils, 

 and under some conditions, in the partial shade of orchard trees 

 or vineyards. For home use, some fruit may be obtained on almost 

 any soil. Under commercial conditions, however, the heavier well- 

 drained clay loams should be selected, avoiding as far as possible 

 those of a light sandy nature. 



Preparation of soil. — As the bushes occupy the ground for a 

 number of years considerable care should be given to preparation 

 of soil. It should be well drained. Currants dislike wet feet and 

 will not thrive if too much water remains in the soil for any length 

 of time. Quack grass, if present, should be eradicated before setting 

 the plants as it is difficult to keep down if intermingled with the 

 currant roots. The soil should be well stocked with humus before 

 setting the plants, either by plowing under heavy applications of 

 stable manure or a cover crop, preferably a clover sod. Deep plow- 

 ing will not only cause the plants to root more deeply but will con- 

 serve moisture, especially if the following season be dry. Thorough 

 cultivation should be given to make the soil fine and mellow before 

 setting the plants. 



Manures and fertilizers.— As with strawberries, there is but little 

 danger of too much plant food in the soil. Currants are rank feeders 

 and to secure maximum yields a rich soil and liberal applications 

 of available food are essential. The roots extend but a short dis- 

 tance and their food must be within reach. Stable manure is one 

 of the best fertilizers, and should be applied preferably in November, 

 during the winter or very early in the spring before growth starts 

 so that the crop of fruit may receive the maximum benefit from 

 the fertilizer before the berries reach maturity in July. On most 

 soils there is but little danger of too rank a growth or a decrease 

 in productiveness from an excess of nitrogenous fertilizer. 



It may be necessary at times to use commercial fertilizer, but 

 the kind and amount to use depend on conditions. The plant-food 

 requirements of the currant are not materially different from those 

 of the strawberry or other fruits; and the supplements needed on 

 any soil are best determined by individual experiments with nitrogen, 



Reprint of Circular No. 32, November 20. 



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