How to rejuvenate the black currant bush and improve the yield?

Very often, for one reason or another, many gardeners are faced with a problem, like with neglected bushes of black currants or gooseberries. And often they ask questions, is it possible in any way to rejuvenate the trees, put old shrubs in order and how to improve the harvest?

The main reasons why rejuvenation of fruit crops is required:

- Shrub disease: the appearance of a large number of aphids, mites or lichens.

- The currant bush has become thick, old branches interfere with the development of young shoots.

- Incorrect formation of the bush, which leads to its poor growth and development, and a decrease in fruit.

- The fruit culture is old, it grows on the garden plot for about 6-8 years, the yield has decreased over time, the fruits become smaller and lose their taste attractiveness.

Rejuvenation of fruit shrubs is recommended in early spring, before the buds swell, or in late spring, when the bush will remain completely leafless.

Basic tips for pruning shrubs:

- Old, damaged branches located at the very bottom or in the shady part of the bush are completely cut off.

- Branches that bear a small amount of fruit are removed.

- It is best to cut off weak annual shoots and leave 3-5 strong branches.

- After the harvest is complete, you need to cut off the fruiting branches and thereby give room for new, green shoots.

Also, do not forget about proper care and maintenance of the fruit shrub after complete pruning:

- in the summer, the bush grows and develops well, you need to choose several strong shoots that bring a good harvest, and cut off the rest.

- it is necessary to promptly remove all weeds from the soil under the bush, add useful fertilizers (humus, sand, fertilizers that contain nitrogen) to the soil.

- do not water the plant too often.

In the first year after pruning, you should not expect a large harvest, but for the next summer season and subsequent years, get ready for abundant fruiting.