Xref: kermit uk.rec.gardening:184123

In article , simon simonles@bonb
on.thisneedsremoving.net writes
Is it a suitable time of year to prune my blackcurrant bushes ?
I'm not sure what I'm supposed to be doing with them, or when!
I think I read somewhere that the fruit appears on year-old growth,
so does that mean, if I give my blackcurrant bushes a shave now,
I will not see any yield this summer ?

As others have said, take about a third of the existing stems out to
their base. Take out the oldest stems and any which look poor or
diseased first. This can be done any time after cropping has finished
and before new growth begins in the following spring, but it is best to
avoid frosty spells if you can. You can also take the opportunity of
tidying up the plants by taking out straggly drooping stems, or those
which are growing cross-wise etc.

Healthy cuttings can be used to propagate new plants, but burn any
mouldy or doubtful looking ones. Have a good clean up at the base of the
bushes - that's where aphids or their grubs like to over-winter, and
give the area a dusting of well matured bonfire ash or similar.
--
Alan & Joan Gould - North Lincs.