The Currant as a Market Garden Product.

B. WALLNER, JR., WEST ST. PAUL.


The currant is essentially a northern fruit, therefore does well in
Minnesota.

I plant my currants on a clay loam as it retains moisture and coolness,
which the currant prefers. Their roots run somewhat shallow, and hence
sandy or friable soils are not desirable. Soils such as will prevent a
stagnant condition during heavy rainfalls are essential. I plant my
currants early in spring as soon as the frost leaves the ground and a
proper preparation can be secured. I plant them five by five feet apart,
as they require a thorough cultivation the first two years from
planting.

I plant mangels between the rows the first year; second year continued
cultivation is practiced; third year I apply a mulch consisting of
mushroom manure to a depth of from four to six inches, which answers a
double purpose, to keep out weeds and to act as mulch at the same time.
During a prolonged dry spell the soil is moist under this covering, and
it makes it more pleasant for the picking, as it prevents the berries
getting soiled after a rain during the picking season. You cannot
fertilize the currant too abundantly, as it is a gross feeder and
requires plenty of manure to get best results, as such fruit commands
the best price on the market.

I planted my currants on ground previously well fertilized with well