Currants in May: How to Ensure a Rich Berry Harvest

May is a decisive month for currants. This is the time when the future harvest is determined: the bushes bloom and form berries. Proper care during this period will help prevent berry drop and protect the plant from pests.

Feeding and Watering During Bloom

Currants are very demanding of soil moisture, especially when berries are forming. If May is dry, the bushes must be watered.

• Root Watering: An adult bush needs 2-3 buckets of water. It’s important to pour water into the root zones without getting it on the leaves to avoid provoking fungal diseases.
• May Fertilizing: At the start of blooming, currants need phosphorus and potassium. This will help the berries grow larger and sweeter.

Pest Protection Without Chemicals

Aphids and currant mites become active in May. Since berries will appear soon, it's better to use biological protection methods, which we often mention in AgroPlanner:

• Ash Infusion: Spraying bushes with an infusion of wood ash and soap helps against aphids.
• Onion Skins: An infusion of onion skins effectively repels many pests due to its strong scent.
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Mulching — The Key to Bush Health

The currant's root system is quite close to the surface. To prevent it from overheating and losing moisture, be sure to mulch the ground around the bush with mown grass, straw, or humus. This will also eliminate the need for constant weeding.

Monitor the leaf condition: if you notice red bumps (leaf-gall aphids), immediately remove these leaves and treat the bush with organic protection products.