How To Plant A Fruit-Bearing Shrub
Tom Cole from Capel Manor College in London shows you how to plant a fruit-bearing shrub. This process applies to other shrubs such as gooseberries, red and white currants.
Step 2: Choose the shrub
Look for shrubs with moist compost, as this will indicate the garden centre has been caring for the plant properly. Blackcurrants should have well spaced branches and an even shape. If the compost is dry you will need to water the shrub before planting.
Step 3: Prepare the soil
Using a spade, dig a deep hole twice the diameter of the shrub's container. Fruit-bearing shrubs should be grown in sunny, south-facing sites. Prick the sides and base of the hole to break up the smooth surface created by the spade. This will encourage the roots to grow outwards and help rain to move through the sides of the hole rather than sitting at the base of the roots and rotting them.
Step 4: Plant
Remove the plant from it's pot, being careful not to damage the buds. Tease out some of the roots around the rootball so they will grow away from the plant and into the surrounding soil. Spread a layer of organic matter into the base of the hole and turn it in with a fork. Lift the plant into the centre of the hole. Use a cane or stick to check the level of the soil. The crown of the plant should be the same height as the cane. Replace the soil around the rootball and add in some organic matter. Hold on to one of the stems and firm the soil down with your feet.
Step 5: Mulch
To help prevent weeds and keep the soil moist, add a mulch layer of compost or bark chippings.
Step 6: Water
There should be enough rain through the Autumn and Winter to provide your plant with enough moisture. If the soil becomes dry over the Winter, water when necessary to keep the soil moist.
Leave to grow and your fruit will be ready for harvest in early to mid summer.
