Content
Transplanting currants in the spring to a new place is considered a forced procedure. It is performed only when there is a threat to the further growth of the bush. If the transplant is not carried out in a timely and competent manner, the garden crop may die. At the same time, it is obvious that it is better to carry out the procedure in the spring, since this way the plant will receive less stress from manipulations in the absence of exposure to cold temperatures.
Why do you need to replant currants?
Changing the location of the berry bush in the spring is required for a number of reasons. It is necessary to transplant red or black currants to a new location if:
- Rejuvenation or renewal is required. For example, when the bush is old and its root system needs to be checked. Then the diseased, dry areas are cut off. Young, healthy parts are used for further cultivation.
- Currants have significant volumes and interfere with neighboring plants. Or tall trees create shade, which has a bad effect on the condition and fruiting of garden shrubs. Sluggish growth is noticeable as a result of soil depletion.
- In the spring, a redevelopment of the garden plot is planned; a new place has been allocated for currants.
- Rising groundwater. This option will not suit the plant; excess liquid will lead to rotting of the roots, and subsequently to irreversible consequences.
- It is recommended to transplant newly formed shoots.
Red and black currants are difficult to transplant in the spring. As a rule, the culture is sick for a long time. It often happens that the bush does not have enough strength to restore full development. Therefore, it is necessary to take into account the climatic characteristics of the transplantation region, the annual cycle, and characteristic varietal characteristics.
When can you replant currants?
Gardeners believe that it is best to replant blackcurrants in the fall. It is at this time that intensive growth ends, the movement of sap slows down, and foliage is shed.
In this case, it is important to choose the right date for the procedure. The shrub should have about 20 days left before frost in order to take root and easily endure the winter. On the other hand, if you transplant currants early, they may “confuse” the season: they will produce buds that will die as a result of night frosts.
Transplantation begins early in the spring, when the snow has melted and the average daily temperature is in the range of 0-1 °C. Another important fact is that the buds on the currants should not yet be swollen by the time the location is changed.Therefore, the period for performing a transplant in the spring is short.
It is not recommended to plant berry bushes in summer. The procedure is possible if there is no other option. In hot weather, the plant needs abundant watering to regain its strength.
How to replant currants
For successful rooting and further growth, it is important to choose the right site. Despite the fact that currants are considered an unpretentious plant, it is worth carefully preparing the place for replanting in the spring.
Selection and preparation of a landing site
The main preferences of the berry bush:
- Flat ground surface. The site on the slope is characterized by strong wind loads and lack of moisture. Lowlands are dangerous due to high accumulation of groundwater, which adversely affects the measles system.
- Illuminated place. Shade is possible only during lunch hours, when the sun's rays are most active.
- Equidistant location from other berry bushes. Neighborhood can lead to mutual infection.
- Neutral or slightly acidic level of soil acidity. Light loam is optimal for transplanting adult currant bushes. Otherwise, the desired structure and composition can be achieved through drainage, fertilizers, and mulching.
- Free space. It is not recommended to plant the crop next to a fence, large trees, or buildings. Minimum distance – 1 m.
In the spring, before the transplantation procedure, you should prepare the soil. The first step is to dig up the soil to destroy fungal spores and pests that are in the top layer. You will need to remove debris, weeds, and stones from the site.It is advisable to carry out preparatory procedures 10-20 days before transplanting currants.
Preparing bushes for transplantation
In the spring, when replanting a blackcurrant bush, the volume of the root system decreases, which in turn causes a number of problems with the nutrition of the vegetative part. Therefore, experienced gardeners recommend pruning the bushes 20-25 days before the intended event. It is necessary to leave only shoots important for fruiting and development. Shorten the rest by ½ length. When transplanting currants in the spring, sanitary pruning can be done in the fall.
After removing the crop from the soil, carefully inspect the roots for rot or the presence of pests. Damaged areas should be removed and disinfected. If necessary, treat with fungicides or insecticides accordingly.
Rules for transplanting currant bushes in spring
The main stages of replanting an old currant bush in the spring:
- Form depressions measuring 70x70 cm. The depth should not be less than 40 cm. Free space stimulates the growth of lateral root branches, which are the main source of nutrition for currants.
- The distance between pits is 1.5 m for tall varieties. Otherwise, the plants will darken each other, and development will be incomplete.
- A drainage layer 15-20 cm thick is laid on the bottom. Crushed stone and broken brick are usually used.
- Next, humus is laid, which will nourish the berry crop for 2 years. The decomposition period of organic matter is 4 years. For active growth, the necessary elements will be wood ash and superphosphate.Currants require large quantities of them, so 150 g of substances are added to one well.
- Sprinkle the top with soil so that there is no contact of the root system with fertilizers.
- The berry crop is dug up and removed to the surface. Do not pull on branches as they can be damaged.
- Water is poured into the hole to create liquid mud. Currants are immersed in it and sprinkled with earth.
- The root collar is deepened by 8 cm. The soil is compacted a little so that voids do not form.
- Mulch the plant with pine needles, leaves or peat. The natural layer will prevent the soil from drying out for a long time.
- During the first 5 days after transplanting to a new place, currant bushes in the spring must be moistened abundantly.
Features of transplanting black, white and red currants
The principle of transplanting berry bushes is the same for all varieties. The differences lie in further care and choice of growing location. Black currants can bear fruit in partial shade, while red and white currants require bright sun.
Moisten the black variety in small portions, but often. Red and white varieties need to be watered abundantly. It is not advisable to replant red and black currants next to weeds.
Care after transplant
Regardless of when the transplant took place, in spring or autumn, the first task is to remove the vegetation mass as much as possible. It is enough to leave 3 buds for reproduction. This will slow down development, allow the bush to slow down and grow stronger.
For the first 10-14 days it is worth organizing abundant watering. Water should remain in the hole. The next year's harvest depends on the amount of moisture.However, the water treatment regime must be brought back to normal after the third week, otherwise the roots will rot.
During the first year, you should take care of the crown and form it correctly. The shoots should grow upward.
Advice from experienced gardeners
To minimize the risk of black or red currants drying out in a new place after transplantation, gardeners focus on certain nuances:
- There is no need to place new seedlings in areas where an old currant bush has recently been uprooted, since infection may be caused by fungi present in the soil. It’s better to choose another place and give the earth a little rest.
- Not far from the berry crop in the spring you can plant onions and garlic. They will protect against harmful insects. An unfavorable neighborhood is noted with raspberries and gooseberries. You should not place black and red varieties next to each other.
- In the spring after transplantation, it is important to shorten the shoots, otherwise the adaptation period will be extended.
- It is worth digging a new hole larger than the previous one so that you can bury the plant about 7-10 cm lower.
- After a change of residence, abundant watering is needed in the future for quick recovery and a bountiful harvest. The soil around the garden crop should be damp.
- Excessive application of fertilizers in the spring can harm the plant. When feeding, it is important to strictly follow the instructions on the package.
- It is not recommended to replant an old bush that is about 15 years old. It must be removed by first propagating it by layering or cuttings.
Conclusion
Transplanting currants in the spring to a new place is a difficult procedure to tolerate. You need to choose spring or autumn based on the climatic characteristics of the planting region.By following simple rules, the result can be a lush bush and a full harvest of berries.