Growing Together: Open Forum

Hi all!

I manage a learning garden that mostly hosts elementary aged students. Right now we grow strawberries, blueberries, and raspberries. I'm considering adding currants to the garden, but know they can be very tart. I've heard the white and pink varieties tend to be enjoyed by little kids more than red varieties, but I don't know which varieties are the best. Do you grow currants in your garden? Any recommendations for which varieties tend to be most liked?

Thank you!

Julie

I don't personally grow currants, but I've heard the pink varieties are a little sweeter than the red ones. One thing I've noticed with elementary-aged programming in general is that novelty and accessibility matter almost as much as, if not more than, flavor. Kids usually get really excited about berries they can independently pick, compare, and explore. You could even turn it into a taste-testing activity between varieties and have students vote on their favorites knowing that they may not love the currants! Hope that helps and I'll ask some of my gardening friends if anyone knows and try to get back to you!

Good luck, Kalie J