[missmoneypenny]

I have 3 bushes which I only fed when planted 1 year ago. Do they need another application of manure? I sit a good idea to spread some around the base of the stems as a mulch? Thanks

[Kleftiwallah]

An application of well rotted manure can only do good.  "They" also recommend an application of Sulphate of Potash at this time of year will be benificial.

Cheers,   Tony.

[Trillium]

My red currants do more than fine with no attention whatsoever, but the blacks do need pampering with rotted manure mulches in the spring. Mostly it depends on your soil type: if sandy or chalky, then yes, manure all your currants.  Clay soils tend to hold nutrition fairly well on their own but if you have the manure, then use it.

[syks grower]

It depends to some extent on your soil.

Light sandy soils need feeding but heavier loams and clays might not.
My soil is light and sandy so all my soft fruit bushes get a handfull of Blood fish and bone and thena mulch of compost or manure in early march or after rain if the soil is dry ( It was last year)
The manure/ compost is mainly to help keep moisture in the soil rather than for feeding.

[richy]

I just pile on the manuar, they seem to like it.

Richy

[missmoneypenny]

Thanks everyone, it's true you probably can't go wrong. They were so spectacularly unproductive last year so I'm trying to give them a bit of encouragement. Mind you last year was only their first year.

[hightide]

They were so spectacularly unproductive last year so I'm trying to give them a bit of encouragement. Mind you last year was only their first year.

You didn't say what type you have, Blackcurrants need heavy feeding and lots of water in the summer. You should apply Growmore in February and Sulphate of Ammonia in March then a good layer of manure, keep it away from the stems.

White and Red Currant, in February apply Growmore and Sulphate of Potash and a light covering of manure again keep the manure away from the stem.

They should start to produce more fruit now they are older.

 

[SkyeEnt]

If you grow comfrey around your currant bushes they can 1) keep them weed free by covering the ground in summer, and 2) feed them by dying down in the winter.  You have to get the spacing right, since comfrey can be a huge plant in good conditions, although a little growing through the branches can disguise the fruit from the birds!