Netting question

[21again]

I have read about caterpillars devouring leaves of fruit bushes and it did happen to our new gooseberry bush last year.

At what stage of development do you cover the plants with netting, whilst still growing and developing leaves or when it starts to bear fruit?

[Capsid]

Just before the insects emerge to lay their eggs. I'd cover them as soon as possible.

[sewer rat]

Gooseberries are very prone to attack from the sawfly - unfortunately, netting will not always stop this ravenous wee beastie as after it has stripped tyhe plant, it will fall from the bush and overwinter in the ground, in readiness for next season. This is also the reason why, unless you are particularly vigilant, a lot of damage is done before you notice it - they start their feasting from the centre of the plant outwards - sneaky little gits!

[21again]

Gooseberries are very prone to attack from the sawfly - unfortunately, netting will not always stop this ravenous wee beastie as after it has stripped tyhe plant, it will fall from the bush and overwinter in the ground, in readiness for next season. This is also the reason why, unless you are particularly vigilant, a lot of damage is done before you notice it - they start their feasting from the centre of the plant outwards - sneaky little gits!

As it is only a young plant and in a 9" pot, would it be worth uprooting chucking the compost that it is in and repotting or will that cause too much damage?

[sewer rat]

As it is only a young plant and in a 9" pot, would it be worth uprooting chucking the compost that it is in and repotting or will that cause too much damage?

No, I'd just scrape the top inch or so off and add some fresh.

[21again]

No, I'd just scrape the top inch or so off and add some fresh.

Will do.

Ta.

[DaveJ]

When using netting on fruit bushes it should be remembered not to leave too much baggy netting around the base of the bush. It has been known for hedgehogs to get trapped in such material.