Blackcurrant bushes grow bigger and even sweeter berries if dusted with 1 natural item

Blackcurrants are hardy crops that tend to be easy to grow but there is a simple method to get really tastier berries. In May your blackcurrant plants should now be flowering and you might even spot a few green berries as begins to form.

Now, in late spring, is a great time to give blackcurrants a as they begin to grow so you can get a bigger yield once summer arrives. John Harrison, the founder of , has shared he feeds his own blackcurrant bushes a "generous dusting" of wood ash.

He said: "The ashes are rich in potash and also, like lime, sweeten acid soils. Over the winter I save these ashes in bins in the shed and it's now time to start returning the goodness to the land."

Wood ash contains a high amount of potassium, which is the nutrient responsible for both flower and fruit development.

If blackcurrants have enough potassium in the soil, then you are more likely to have big berries that not only look gorgeous but will taste a lot sweeter as well.

Wood ash also contains a little calcium and magnesium, which also helps grow more robust fruit and helps keep the bushes healthy as well.

How to apply wood ash to blackcurrants

Wood ash can help blackcurrants, but natural feeds are more potent than the synthetic ones you buy, so it is important to use sparingly; otherwise, you risk overfertilising your plants.

If you use too much, you can add way too much potassium to the soil, which can make it more difficult for your blackcurrants to absorb other nutrients and greatly stress the plant out.

It should also be noted that wood ash is a alkaline substance so make sure to test your soil pH and only apply if the pH level is below six.

John said: "The amount of potash in wood ashes varies according to the type of wood burnt and the temperature it burned at. Wood ashes are very light, so I don't even attempt to weigh them. Instead, I just go for good dusting over the root area."

Then, all you need to do is apply the wood ash sparingly in a circle around the base of a blackcurrant bush.

Make sure to keep the wood ash away from the woody base and then water immediately after application as it can easily blow away.

John said: "One problem with them being so light is the slightest gust of wind and they're blown all over you - I looked like a ghost when I finished."

You can also anchor the wood ash and help your blackcurrants by applying compost on top. After that, simply keep an eye on the plant, and you should get even sweeter berries once they are ready to harvest.