Rules for crop rotation when growing berries: is it possible to plant black currants and red currants side by side?

Currants are a berry crop rich in vitamins and microelements. To increase productivity, when planting, the influence of nearby crops, competition for free space and natural resources is taken into account. Following the rules of crop rotation and competent selection of neighbors for different varieties of currants will help achieve high yields and avoid outbreaks of diseases in plants.

In this article we will tell you at what distance from each other to plant red and black currants.

Is it possible to plant red and black currants side by side and what distance should be between the bushes and rows

Red and black currants will not be good neighbors for each other. Black requires moist soil and shady areas.. The red one loves dry soil and bright sunlight.

If the garden plot is large, red and black currants are planted on separate segments of land with different humidity levels. It is better to plant small areas with soil that is homogeneous in composition and moisture with one species for which these conditions are optimally suited.

Important! Black currants should not be planted in wetlands. This will cause root rot and plant death. Red should not be left without intensive watering.

Black and red currants have different bush shapes. Red tends upward, black - in breadth. When planting, this fact must be taken into account to determine the distance between bushes and rows.

For red, it is recommended to leave 2 m between rows and 1-1.5 m between bushes. Black needs 2.5 m and 1.5-2 m, respectively. For white, the optimal distance is 2 m between rows and 1.25 m between bushes.

When planted close together, the plants are poorly ventilated, which will lead to the development of fungal diseases. For better development and comfortable well-being, it is best to plant shrubs at a distance of 1.5-2 m from any type of structure in the garden plot.

Is it possible to plant white currants next to other species?

White currants are a variety of red currants, so planting them nearby is not only acceptable, but also useful. When they are placed on the same territory, mutual pollination occurs, which leads to increased yield and quality of berries.

The black one absorbs nutrients faster, so it is better to plant it separately from the white one, so as not to lose the yield of the latter and not cause the death of the bushes.

Is it possible to plant different varieties of currants side by side?

Planting different varieties nearby will lead to an increase in yield, since cross-pollination causes an increase in the number of ovaries and the berries become larger.

Varieties must belong to the same species. Various varieties of red and white currants get along well side by side, and their proximity is favorable. But it is better to combine black berry varieties exclusively with each other.

Reference! Any variety is planted in an area protected from the wind.

They also pay attention to the short stature of certain varieties. Do not plant light-loving low-growing varieties under tall ones - this will lead to disease and death of the bushes.

The importance of following the rules of crop rotation when growing currants

Compliance with the rules of crop rotation is of great importance not only for annual plants, but also for shrubs and trees. Rotation of crops has a positive effect on the availability of nutrients in the soil and reduces the risk of plant infection.

It is not recommended to plant currants after:

• plants of the same family;
• having common pests and diseases;
• plants with the same requirements for microelements in the soil.

Precursors saturate the soil with organic matter and improve soil quality. This berry bush grows best after sunflowers, corn, and grains. They aerate the soil, saturate it with microelements, do not emit substances toxic to currants and destroy pests.

It is not recommended to plant bushes after gooseberries and raspberries. They reduce the nutritional value of the soil and saturate the soil with pathogenic microorganisms.

Plants growing nearby are of great importance for the growth and development of currants. Among them there are competitors of this berry, and garden crops that are completely compatible with it.

Important! It is recommended to plant currants in an area where they have already grown no earlier than after 6 years.

Good neighbors for red currants

The root system of the shrub is located at an average depth, so it has few competitors in extracting moisture and nutrients from the soil. Plants with shallow root systems will do well with this berry. The bush does not provide much shade, so low-growing garden crops can be planted under it.

Good neighbors will be:

1. Onion. Does not consume excess moisture and needs light for quality development. Grows well between red currant bushes.The pungent smell of onions repels most pests, in particular bud mites.
2. Gooseberry. The optimal neighbor for red berries. Both crops flower at the same time, and their cross-pollination significantly increases yield. The root system of these berry bushes is located directly under them, without unraveling to the sides. This allows them to obtain moisture and nutrients from the soil without limiting each other.

For black

The following are suitable neighbors for black currants:

1. Honeysuckle. Shrubs develop well and bear fruit when nearby. Their chemical composition is similar, so the proximity will be favorable.
2. Yoshta. Being a hybrid of gooseberries and currants, it coexists in the same area with these crops.
3. Strawberry. The sharp aroma of currants repels many pests from strawberries, and frequent watering has a beneficial effect on the size and sweetness of the berries.
4. Garlic. The bud mite, a dangerous pest of currants, is afraid of the spicy smell of garlic. This proximity has a positive effect on berry bushes.

Bad neighbors for red currants

Red currants have competitors in the plant world. To prevent low yields and possible death of the shrub, it is recommended to plant it at a distance of 5 m from these plants:

1. Plum. This plant is not a competitor in the fight for nutrients, but it has a shady crown. Without sunlight, the berry bush stops bearing fruit and grows poorly.
2. Cherries. It has an overgrown rhizome, which deprives the bushes of nutrients. This leads not only to low fruiting, but also to possible death.
3. Raspberries. It has a large root system penetrating deep into the soil.It not only deprives the bush of nutrition and moisture, but also interferes with its development, reducing living space due to the growth of young shoots.
4. Cherry. The crop shades the bush; its root shoots deprive the currant of nutrients. In addition, plants require different soil compositions.

For black

Garden plants not only struggle for space, light, water and nutrients, but also have common pests.

Unfavorable neighborhood:

1. Red and white currants. Different needs for sunlight and moisture lead to the fact that the yield of shrubs drops to almost zero.
2. Gooseberry. White gooseberries are susceptible to the same diseases as black berries. The pests of these plants are also the same. Planting them together will lead to massive development of diseases and uncontrolled proliferation of pests.
3. Raspberries. It grows, does not allow other plants to develop, and absorbs all the moisture.

Conclusion

To grow a strong, healthy berry bush, you need to follow the rules of crop rotation. It is important to choose the right site for planting and choose your neighbors wisely.