Best time to plant currant bushes?

[hamsterqueen]

I have space for a row of currants at the bottom of the veg garden ( potatoes in sacks there now, on paving stones, which seems a bit of waste of soil area)

What's the best time of year to put new bushes in and is there anything needed in the way of preparation?

I was thinking a mix of redcurrants, blackcurrants and maybe white.

Garden centre has an offer on them atm, but they don;t always sell things at right time.

[rustylady]

Are the ones at the garden centre in pots, or bare rooted? And do they look in good condition?

[hamsterqueen]

They're in pots, haven;t been for a week or so but they didn;t look too scraggy..

edited to add..those long thin pots

[rustylady]

If they're in pots you can buy and plant them now, just make sure you prepare the site, digging in some well rotted compost or manure (and mixing it in really well). Pop your plants in, give them a really good soaking (I dig a hole required depth, backfill but not to the top) and give about a bucketful of water per plant (maybe two if your soil is dry). Let this settle, then backfil again. Make sure they don't go short of water until they have settled in and rooted into the ground.

[Two_Sheds]

I have just picked and pruned all my blackcurrants (then pop the prunings in the ground and 90% of them will take root).

If you want to send me postage, I will send you my prunings

[Snadger]

Potted soft fruit bushes can be planted at any time of the year. Bare rooted plants are usually planted in Autumn or Winter.

[hamsterqueen]

Thanks two sheds that a really kind thought.