pruning help for fruit bushes

[madhatterlizzy]

I have blackcurrants, blueberries, gooseberries, rhubard, raspberries all on their first year - when do I need to prune these - I have no idea?? fellow gardeners please help a novice

[Aberdeenplotter]

Lizzy, best advice I will give you is to invest in the RHS Book by Harry Baker on soft fruit. Usually a few copies on Amazon for a couple of quid.

[rustylady]

Firstly, are your bushes in open ground or in pots?

Rhubarb - no pruning at all required. Just pick off dead leaves and stems and leave it to do it's own thing.
Raspberries - cut out all canes that have carried fruit as soon as you've picked the fruit.
Blackcurrants and gooseberries shouldn't need any pruning this year. Just cut out any stems that are crossing and rubbing or obviously in the wrong place.

[madhatterlizzy]

Been on ebay this morning and managed to get hold of a copy of the book - £3 postage free - excellent - many thanks to Aberdeenplotter.

Rustylady - all my fruit bushes are in containers and seem to have grown and sprouted everywhere, they seem to be thriving - really pleased with them, just crossing fingers they survive the winter and I get to enjoy the fruit next summer.

[Aberdeenplotter]

Lizzy,

it really is very informative.