Like most gardeners, in my garden there are several bushes of black and red currants. I really like this berry. Firstly, because it make excellent compotes, jam and other winter supplies. Secondly, this plant does not require special care, which is a big plus, as the situation in the garden and so complete fully.
Since special care currant does not require that many believe that the preparation plant for the winter, too, is not necessary. But it is not so.
Indeed, blackcurrant bushes can transfer the cold to -20 / -25 degrees even in the absence of snow, but these do not pass freely wintering.
Long frost below -20 / -25 degrees greatly reduce productivity, as threads slowly begin to die. In this temperature region Leningrad winter (Especially at night)Not far from uncommon. That's why I each season prepares his Smorodinka to winter. If done correctly, the plant will not be afraid of even the most severe frosts.
For myself, I have identified three main stages of preparation.
1. Rescued from the cold branches
The first step is to save from frost branches. To do this, gently bend over them so that they come into contact with the soil. It is necessary to:
- In the future, the snow completely covered the entire bush. This will save from the strong temperature fluctuations;
- Earth warmed branches with its warmth;
- Drafts and strong winds did not disturb our currants.
Make it is not difficult, the main thing is not to bend and not break the stem itself.
Press down branches best piece of board on which a cargo is placed. Board is needed in order not to damage the plant. Also, you can use a piece of linoleum.
I pressed down branches quite far from the base of the bush, in the future, currants able to recover and take a natural shape.
If you can dig branches - do it. In this case, the earth will become more plant protection.
2. prune branches
Primarily in currants are cut all the dry, damaged and diseased branches. They can determine in appearance, they are very different from normal. The older the bush, the more such branches.
In healthy shoots trimmed just finished, no more than 10-15% of the total length. This is done with the purpose of prevention. After all, at the tips often contains fungi and various diseases.
If the bush has many thin and flimsy young shoots - they need to be removed. They are unlikely to spend the winter and can cause trouble in the next year.
Note that pruning should be done working and a very sharp secateurs. Otherwise you too much to damage the branches.
3. Autumn for soil care
Autumn soil preparation is necessary as a preventive measure against pests and fungal diseases of various kinds. I divided the training into 2 stages. (There are those who separate disinfects the soil, but I do not do it)
3.1 Remove the old leaves
Be sure to remove from under the bush all the old dead leaves. They are carriers of many fungal and viral diseases. I do it simply rake in 10-15 minutes. Nothing complicated, but the soil around the currant is healthy and in the spring will not have to expect any unpleasant surprises.
3.2 dug soil
Like many other plants, soil around currants necessarily need to dig. This is done in order to destroy the pest gone for the winter.
You do not need to dig deep enough to stick a shovel to a depth of 20 cm. After finely Loosen the ground so that no large lumps remain.
This training allows the plant without excess stress through the winter and saves him from an attack of spring pests.
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