Choosing the right neighbors for your plants will not only enhance the yield but also reduce maintenance efforts. Today, we will explore how to pair cherry and black currant so that both crops thrive comfortably and yield abundantly.
Cherry and Currant: Who Are They and How Do They Grow?
Black currant is an undemanding berry bush with a shallow root system. Its roots are located in the upper layer of the soil, at a depth of 25–40 cm. In contrast, cherry is known for its deep root system, which extends 1.5–2 meters underground.
These characteristics make currants and cherries ideal neighbors. Their root systems do not compete for nutrients, meaning each crop can develop fully.
How to Properly Position Cherry and Currant
To ensure the plants feel comfortable, it’s important to follow a few simple rules:
- Distance Between Plants. Maintain a distance of 2.5–3 meters between the currant bushes and the cherry tree. This will provide enough space for growth and reduce the likelihood of competition for moisture and minerals.
- Lighting Conditions. Currants require good lighting, so try to position the bushes in a way that the shade from the cherry does not cover them.
Caring for Neighboring Plants
Growing them together requires a bit more attention, but the results are worth it:
- Watering. Currants need regular watering, especially during the berry formation period. Cherries are more drought-resistant, so they can be watered less frequently to avoid over-saturating the soil around the roots.
- Fertilization. Both crops require feeding, but with different focuses: currants thrive on nitrogen, while cherries respond well to potassium and phosphorus fertilizers.
Disease Prevention
The proximity of cherries and currants necessitates careful attention to the prevention of fungal diseases. To prevent diseases from spreading between the crops:
- Regularly remove fallen leaves.
- Perform sanitary pruning of the plants.
- Use preventive measures, such as treating with copper sulfate.
