Mulch reduces weeds, water needs, and winter injury to roots caused by alternate freezing and thawing. Apply adequate irrigation for best fruit size and yield. After harvest, gradually reduce the amount of water to harden the plants prior to winter. Give a final watering in November to reduce drying during the winter. Pruning Pruning is required for good yield.
Some fruit is borne near the base of year-old wood.
Gooseberries are similar, but their year-old wood is more fruitful. Prune in late winter or early spring prior to bud swelling. Remove wood more than three years old, and thin out younger wood. See Figure 1. Currant showing correct pruning of mature shrub.