Clearing Blackcurrant Bushes (lots of 'em!)

[vikkib]

Approximately a quarter of my half plot is inhabited by some very well established blackcurrant bushes.

We don't each much soft fruit and although I left them for the first couple of years while I concentrated on the rest of the plot I'm starting to think I'd like clear them so I can start using the space for more veggies.

What's the best way to go about it?

I think they have been there years and they are large, robust ol' plants!

Is there any merit to chopping off the branches and then leaving the roots a little while to weaken a bit or am I just making this up and putting off the inevitable back breaking digging?!

[rustylady]

Digging it will have to be, I'm afraid. It will be easier if you cut them down though.

You sure you don't want any blackcurrants? You could use some of your "prunings" as cuttings for new bushes.

[alldigging]

Ask about if anyone wants one and let someone else dig...

[vikkib]

You sure you don't want any blackcurrants? You could use some of your "prunings" as cuttings for new bushes.

I may well keep one or two of the bushes, although maybe starting afresh with a couple of prunings might be best.

Ask about if anyone wants one and let someone else dig...

This was my first thought too but sadly so far, of the dozen people I've asked, no-one wants any!

[alldigging]

freecycle ...

[vikkib]

I am now wondering whether offering them on Freecycle to people who can come and dig them up is worth a try!

[vikkib]

freecycle ...

Hehehe! Great minds!

[Glutton4...]

How much digging does it take? (No, I've never dug up a Blackcurrant!) Are they in clay? I'm just under an hour from you, and I LOOOOOVE Blackcurrants - can I help?

[vikkib]

How much digging does it take? (No, I've never dug up a Blackcurrant!) Are they in clay? I'm just under an hour from you, and I LOOOOOVE Blackcurrants - can I help?

Oooooooh! This has the makings of a cunning plan!

They aren't in clay; the soil is pretty good and they have been prolific... I'd love someone other than the birds to enjoy them!

Now I just need you to promise not to tell the grapes how untidy my plot is!

You're more than welcome to as many as you'd like!