ABSTRACT
Proper site preparation begins at least one year in advance of planting. The goals are to improve drainage, correct soil nutrient deficiencies, adjust soil pH, eliminate perennial weeds, and reduce pest and pathogen problems. If soil drainage and aeration are concerns, one of the first tasks will be to improve the drainage by installing tiles or drainage ditches, or by leveling the site. Many small-fruit experts in the 1800s and early 1900s strongly recommended subsoiling with a chisel plow or other ripping device before planting currants and gooseberries (Sears, 1925).
