I have inherited some fruit bushes (at least that's what I'm assuming), and I have no idea what they are but they are budding and in good condition. Should I just throw some rotted manure at them and hope for the best this year or is there anything else I can do? I've googled fruit bushes but not come up with anything similar.
There are also some strawberry plants in the same area. Do I leave them or rotate them?
Thanks
Emma
A description would help us to identify them, but in any case, well rotted manure probably wont do any harm, just lightly fork it in around them.
Strawberries - best to renew them every three years, and plant them in a different place. When they throw out runners this year, cut off all except one or two, and let them root. You can then use these new ones to form a new bed next year.
Just manure the bushes this year, then when they've fruited note what they are, different types of currants need different types of pruning to help them produce more fruit in coming years
I was in a similar situation when I got my lottie. Generally the ones with the b*st*rd thorns are gooseberries, and blackcurrants in my experience have wonderfully pungent wood, so you can smell them. Redcurrants less so. When they flower you can really tell, as the reds (and whites, which are mutant reds) have multitudes of flowers/berries on one long stalk (or strig) while blacks have a cluster of berries with individual stalks.
If you've reds, for heaven's sake net them before they start to turn or the pigeons will have the lot overnight!!! Ditto gooseberries, despite the thorns. (I net all fruit just to make sure I get some...)
moonbells
I've had a closer look. They are wide, about wiast height with white fragrant flower buds...anyone got any ideas?
Emma - where in the country are you? They seem awfully advanced. Mine were still tightly budded last weekend. Can you photograph them?
moonbells