droping gosberries

[bridget mc laughlin]

Why are there tiny gosberries droping from my bushes, it doesn't seem right?

[divvy]

Mine have dropped a few too. I take it it is the same as apple trees etc , don't keep what they can't hold , and as my bushes are only one year old and quite small I was pleased to get any at all . How do you tell when they are ready for picking though.

[Nicos]

Are the dropped fruit healthy looking?- not got insects in them??...might be worth having a quick check.
I've never had fruit drop- but if it's not what divvy suggests, then have they been nipped by a chill wind?

I take mine as soon as the fruit starts to go a bit yellowy and yields slightly when squeezed. Or- when the Jays start climbing up under the netting and nicking then all!

[Spiderling]

Hi Bridget. Are the gooseberry bushes dry around the roots? This sometimes causes the fruit to drop. If there is no sign of mildew or fluffy mould on the berries, give the bushes a good soaking. Once the soil is thoroughly wet, give the bush a feed with Growmore, or whatever feed you prefer to use. Cheers.