BUSH FRUIT PRODUCTION 



moist places. Usually currants are not fully 

 productive on warm soils and exposures, al- 

 though the plants may appear normally vigor- 

 ous. The currant grows southward to Virginia 

 and it extends to the north far beyond the 

 range of most fruits. 



Clay loams and northern slopes are to be 

 preferred, although fertile sandy loams which 

 are not drouthy are satisfactory for the pur- 

 poses of the gardener. Where lighter soils 

 must be used they may be improved by filling 

 them with organic matter. 



When grown on a small scale, protection 

 from the sun may be secured by planting cur- 

 rants on the north side of a fence or building. 

 This means of sheltering the plants from the 

 sun is of more importance southward than in 

 the cooler climates. Likewise, lighter soils and 

 warmer locations may be used in the north. 

 Even in the northern states, however, currants 

 are often grown in partial shade between fruit 

 trees. They should not be planted too close 

 to trees, for competition for food and moisture 

 may then become acute, but on good loams 

 some varieties of currants thrive when inter- 

 planted in orchards. 



Two other factors in connection with the 

 site should be noted: currants love moisture in 

 summer but cannot withstand wet soils. Good 



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