Red Lake Currants: A Delicious and Bountiful Harvest

Aug 12, 2024

If you’re looking for a fruit that’s both tasty and abundant, Red Lake currants are a fantastic choice! Known for their vibrant red color and tart-sweet flavor, these currants have a rich history that makes them a beloved variety among gardeners. This year, we’re thrilled to be getting an exceptional harvest of these delicious berries, and they’ve been a joy to pick and enjoy.

A Bit of History

Red Lake currants were developed in Minnesota in the 1930s by researchers at the University of Minnesota’s Agricultural Experiment Station. The variety was named after the Red Lake River area, reflecting the region where it was first cultivated. The breeders aimed to create a currant that was both hardy and prolific, capable of withstanding the harsh winters of the northern United States while producing high yields of large, flavorful berries.

Over the decades, Red Lake currants have become one of the most popular currant varieties in North America. Their resilience and excellent fruit quality have made them a staple in home gardens and small farms across cooler climates.

Why Choose Red Lake Currants?

Red Lake currants are prized for their large, juicy berries and prolific yields. This variety is particularly well-suited to USDA zones 3-7, where it thrives in cooler temperatures. The currants grow in clusters, making them easy to pick, and they’re perfect for fresh eating, cooking, or preserving.

Taste and Versatility

The flavor of Red Lake currants is a delightful balance of tartness and sweetness. They’re wonderful to eat fresh off the bush, but they also shine in various culinary uses. From making jams and jellies to baking into desserts or adding to savory dishes, their versatility is a major plus. One of our favorite ways to enjoy them is simply over vanilla ice cream—the combination is absolutely delicious!

Growing and Harvesting

Red Lake currants are relatively low-maintenance, requiring only basic care to produce an abundant crop. They prefer well-drained soil and a sunny to partially shaded location. Regular watering and mulching will help the plants thrive, and they’re quite hardy, making them a reliable fruit for years to come.

This season, our Red Lake currant bushes have been particularly generous, yielding plenty of fruit for us to enjoy. Whether you’re an experienced gardener or just starting, growing Red Lake currants is a rewarding experience that will bring both beauty and flavor to your garden.

If you haven’t tried growing Red Lake currants yet, consider adding them to your garden—they might just become your new favorite fruit!

Daily Log

May 4, 2024

Good morning, friends. Today is unexpectedly chilly for May. I woke up early, let the dogs out, and thought about heading to Home Depot to pick up more creeping thyme for the garden. In the past, Tim and I would eagerly rise early in spring for our plant shopping trips. Going alone just doesn’t feel the same. I finally got out of bed around 10:00, fed the dogs, and gave Lucy her medicine. Thankfully, she’s responding well to the phenobarbital, which is a relief because the CBD we initially tried wasn’t effective in controlling her seizures. Surprisingly, her bloodwork came back normal, so her vet thinks her age might be the underlying cause of her seizures.

It’s supposed to warm up later, but as of 11:45, it’s only 39 degrees. I’m planning to open the greenhouse soon and then head to Home Depot for the creeping thyme. One of my spring goals is to get it planted, so I can walk barefoot in the garden without the discomfort of stepping on pebbles.

Reflecting on memories, today marks a decade since Tim and I built an herb nautilus over an old stump, and it also reminds me of when I had to leave for Louisiana shortly after because I was caring for my parents.

Daily Log

May 4, 2024

I’m grateful to have the flexibility to work in my garden since I’m self-employed. I’ve started listing tasks to tackle in the garden, focusing primarily on maintenance and updates such as staining the beds and deck. I plan to take down all the fencing for reinforcement and repositioning, clean out the beds, and enrich them with nutrients. Our local gardening organization is selling strawberry roots for $1.00 each, and I’ve already planted 20 more. I intend to buy another 20 to scatter throughout the yard. I’ve added 15 new plants to one of my beds that’s three years old, and placed another 5 around a rhubarb plant. Additionally, I’ve sown another packet of wildflower seeds in my wildflower wheelbarrow.

My goals for this spring include finishing the stonework, planting creeping thyme, and placing yarrow around the pine tree. I also plan to stain the deck, chairs, and benches. I’m setting up a garden art studio to sell my artwork on Fridays during the local Farmers Market and to host live videos from the space. I need to learn how to prune trees—a task previously handled by Tim—and to purchase an arbor for the elderberry plants. I’m also looking to learn about pruning currant and jostaberry bushes and to hang fairy lights to create a magical atmosphere.