BUSH FRUIT PRODUCTION 



fection and Red Cross, which by nature form 

 smaller bushes. 



Cultivation and Mulching 



The currant has a shallow root system and 

 deep tillage is likely to do considerable dam- 

 age. Plowing next to the plants is to be 

 avoided, but frequent shallow cultivation is 

 highly desirable. In small garden plots a good 

 rake makes an excellent tool for rapid, thor- 

 ough work, but it has little value if weeds are 

 allowed to get a good start before cultivation 

 is started. 



Mulching has many advantages, especially 

 in gardens where currants often are planted 

 in corners and in out-of-the-way places where 

 they cannot be cultivated easily. A good 

 mulch conserves moisture, prevents the growth 

 of weeds, decays on the under side to furnish 

 a supply of plant food, and keeps the ground 

 cool, a desirable condition with currants. Al- 

 most any vegetable rubbish about the premises 

 may be used for the mulch. Such materials 

 as straw, old hay, dried lawn clippings and 

 leaves are excellent. The mulch should be 

 replenished often to maintain a thickness of 

 several inches. 



One danger in mulching should be noted. 

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