CURRANTS AND GOOSEBERRIES 



Circular No. aS 



BY R. E. LOREE 



The currants and gooseberries are not grown as extensively in Mich- 

 igan as the other small fruits, yet they occupy an important place in the 

 fruit industry of the state. Michigan is one of the leading states in the 

 production of these finiits. Tlie climatic conditions are very favorable 

 for them and as they are very hardy, they may be successfully grown in 

 most sections of the state. Thej^ are easily grown and this combined with 

 their hardiness and desirability for culinary purposes recommends them 

 for planting in the small fruit garden as well as the commercial jjlanta- 

 tiou. 



LOCATION AND SOIL 



The climatic and soil requirements of the currants and gooseberi-ies 

 are very similar. Both are by nature northern plants and in their wild 

 state are always found growing in cool moist places. They do not thrive 

 in hot dry situations. For this reason the cool northern exposures are de- 

 sirable and should be selected whenever possible. Partial shade is an ad- 

 vantage and that of an orchard is desirable, but it is not advisable to 

 plant currants or gooseberries in an orchard unless the soil is very fertile 

 and the bushes are set so that they will not interfere with the care and 

 growth of the trees. In the home garden the north side of a building or 

 fence is a good location. 



Both the currants and gooseberries will grow and produce some fruit 

 on almost any soil. They prefer a naturally cool, moist, fairly Iieavy 

 soil. A deep, moderately fertile, well-drained clay loam which is well 

 supplied with humus is best. They also succeed well on sti^ong, moist, 

 sandy loams. Light sandy loams should be avoided as far as possible. 

 Such soils, if used, should be well built up with stable manure and 

 leguminous crops before and after planting. Clay soils are often satis- 

 factory if properly handled, but they are difficult to work and require 

 heavy annual applications of well rotted stal)le manure to keep them in 

 a loose, friable condition. 



PROPAGATION 



The plants mnj be secured from any reliable nursery or they may be 

 propagated and grown at home. In most cases it is better to purchase 

 the needed plants from those who make a specialty of growing them. 

 Much time is saved and frequently it is cheaper in the end to buy good 

 strong well-rooted plants of a recommended variety than to attempt to 

 grow them in a small way. 



Currants are easily propagated from hardwood cuttings, about six 

 or eight inches in length, which are taken from well ripened shoots 

 of one season's growth. They may be taken and planted either in the 



