Gooseberry query.

[binley100]

When we took on our lottie a year ago we inherited gooseberry bushes. Being March we left them alone with no pruning and had loads of fruit off them. They got pruned at the end of the year. Now they have loads of new growth at the bottom of the stems and there doesn't seem to be as much fruit as last year. I read that you need to keep the stems clear at the bottom . Is this right and should I have left the pruning till February?

[Buleste]

I bought a goosegog bush last year and managed to get one berry. In autumn I pruned to what I thought was right (according to the book I have, although it did say you should prune towards the end of winter) and this year I've got quite a few berries forming. TBH after both following what books and experts have said and just having a go over various things I have come to the conclusion that you just have to go with what you feel is right. What you did last year hasn't worked for you so maybe next year you prune later and see if that is any better. You can have all the books in the world on pruning and it's guaranteed that there will be contradictions. Don't be afraid to experiment.

[binley100]

It's mainly all the bushy growth at the bottom that concerns me as everything you read say they should be a goblet shape with a clear stem..

[gojiberry]

The main aim on pruning gooseberries is to have an open habit for good air circulation so that mildew does not set in. The other is to try and reduce shoots low down as it is almost impossible to harvest the berries on low growing shoots. One of the best gooseberry forms is as a standard.

Ian

[Jeanied]

You have to watch out for those low growing branches, Binley. If they touch the ground they tend to root at the tips. Now I have an extra 4 or 5 gooseberry bushes. I can vouch for the open goblet shape - best shape for air circulation and for picking.

[binley100]

Thanks guys . Whens the best time to take them off.?