Blackcurrants are a juicy and plentiful crop in summer for jams, desserts and drinks and are easy to grow.

Blackcurrant plants can be grown from dormant bareroot trees during winter to early spring or container grown plants can be grown on any time of the year. Blackcurrants like full sun or light shade and moisture retentive soil.

Dig a hole large enough for the root ball but deeper than previously grown and spread the roots out. Dig in plenty of well-rotted manure or compost first and fill in the hole afterwards and push the soil down firmly around the base. You can add mulch to retain moisture and supress the weeds.

Blackcurrants benefit from pruning during winter when it is dormant, to help with shoot and root growth. If you are in an area that is prone to late frosts, your blackcurrants may require protection when it is flowering to avoid a poor crop.

Water well during dry spells in the first year until the plant has become established. The blackcurrants; like other fruits will benefit from a fruit cage or protection from the birds.

Blackcurrants will be ready for harvesting during July-August when the blackcurrants are dark, plump and juicy. They easily pull off the stems.

Blackcurrants can be eaten fresh and raw or cooked for desserts, preserved for jams and frozen for storage.