Black Currants Gone Wrong: Soil Acidity Unleashed Ruined Harvests

September is a critical period for currant bushes. While the soil retains summer warmth, plants focus on restoring strength after fruiting and laying buds for the next season. Standard watering alone is often insufficient; failing to address soil conditions now can lead to smaller berries and weakened shrubs during winter freezes. Correcting Soil Acidity for Currants Black currants are highly sensitive to pH levels, with an optimal range between 5.3 and 6.3. In overly acidic soils, phosphorus and potassium become blocked, preventing the plant from absorbing nutrients regardless of fertilizer quality. To resolve this, gardeners can apply slaked lime (known as "pushonka"). Igor Lytkin, soil scientist: "Lime does not act as a direct fertilizer, but rather as a tool that makes nutrition accessible. For one adult bush, one glass—approximately 200–250 grams (7.1–8.8 oz)—of powder is sufficient, distributed evenly around the trunk circle."