Garden Help
Diagnose plant problems and treat garden pests


Get Gardening Help!

Home > Projects >

How to Plant a Fruit Bush


You will need: Fruit bush, Spade, Fork, Cane, Fertiliser, Watering Can

There’s nothing like the taste of fruit fresh from the garden and growing it is easy. Whether you choose blackcurrant, red or white currant, gooseberry or blueberry (if you have acidic soil), the key to success is to give the plant a good start.

Best time to do it:

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec

Step 1

Step 1 of How to Plant a Fruit Bush

Choose a spot that is at least partly sunny and well-drained. Dig a hole large enough for the rootball with a little extra round the sides.

Step 2

Step 2 of How to Plant a Fruit Bush

Use a short cane laid across the surface to make sure the hole is deep enough. Normally you would aim to have the collar of the plant (where the roots meet the stem) at surface level, but currants will shoot from the base if they are planted slightly deeper.

Step 3

Step 3 of How to Plant a Fruit Bush

Fill the hole around the roots with soil, making sure you do not knock off any buds.

Step 4

Step 4 of How to Plant a Fruit Bush

Tread the soil firmly around the base of the plant with your heel to reduce the chance of the plant rocking in windy conditions (which breaks new roots as they form). A gentle tug on the stem will prove whether it is firm enough. Lightly fork a dressing of fertiliser around the plant and water well to settle the soil and wash the food down into the rooting zone.

Related FAQs


Ask a gardening question:




Latest Gardening News



Latest Gardening & Horticultural Careers


Explore Gardens from Around the World


The New York Botanical Garden
New York, United States

Butchart Gardens
British Columbia, Canada

Pukekura Park
New Plymouth, New Zealand

Medellin Botanical Garden
Medellin, Columbia

Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew
Richmond, United Kingdom



Watch a Video!

Five Essential Tips for Growing Lemons
Five Essential Tips for Growing Lemons
How do I protect my grapes from insects?
How do I protect my grapes from insects?
Weed Control Using Mulch
Weed Control Using Mulch
Storing Gladiolus Bulbs
Storing Gladiolus Bulbs
Digging Up Sweet Potatoes
Digging Up Sweet Potatoes
When is the best time to prune my bottle brush plant?
When is the best time to prune my bottle brush plant?