[sebbie]

I've just bought and planted a blackcurrant bush.  I've watered it in well (and then it rained - I know if I hadn't watered it wouldn't have rained!).

What do I need to do to ensure it thrives and can I expect a crop this year or is next year more realistic?

Sarah

[John]

You must circle it widdershins three times by the light of a full moon whilst chanting 'Grow Grow Grow'

Alternatively you could scatter a little blood fish and bone around it and make sure it is OK for water this first year as it establishes.

[Jerry]

Blackcurrant should be planted a little deeply - the new stems emerge from under soil level. They like a high nitrogen feed in spring. In a couple of years, start cutting one third of the stems back to the ground in early spring so you get fresh stems coming every year, the fruit starts to tail off on the older stems.

[stompy]

Hi guys i'v just planted 4 bushes do they fruit on new stems or 1 year old wood ? :?

[Jerry]

The stems produced this year will give you fruit next year.

[stompy]

Cheers again jerry.
I think you are now my official fruit guru

[sebbie]

I can see new growth coming after just a week so must be ok so far (although I confess I didn't follow john's expert advice!).  There are even a couple of buches of flowers on last years growth so I may even get some berries.

Thanks for the tip about planting deeply I had actually done that but glad to know it was the right thing.  Will have to remember to cut back in a couple of years, wheres my gardening diary ...

Sarah