Gooseberry Advice

[Jules2]

Hi everyone,

I'd really appreciate some advice on the best way to look after a gooseberry plant, as I picked one up at the local boot sale last weekend, and am not quite sure what to do with it.

I really love goosegogs, so want a good yield. Is there a best place to plant it, how big does it grow, and what conditions does it like?

The plant has only 3 tiny gooseberries on it, so I am not expecting miracles this year, but what can I do to give it the best possible start for a good crop next year?

[Flummery]

Muck! Lots of food and water and as always, make a decent job of the soil and planting hole beforehand. After that they are really quite a problem free plant (unless you get sawfly - I never have - touching wood!)

[Jules2]

thank you Flum,

By muck, do you mean horse manure? My next door neighbour has a pony, so I should be able to get a bucket or two.

[Madasafish]

Make sure your manure is well rotted or you'll kill the plant.

[rustylady]

I presume it is in a pot for now. If you have the space (large garden or allotment) dig a hole bigger than the pot, lace the bottom of the hole with well rotted manure or compost, fork well to mix it with the existing soil, and plant your gooseberry so that the top of the compost is at the same level as the soil on site. Water in well, and top dress with more well rotted compost or manure. Gooseberries grow well in full sun or partial shade once they are established, but you will need to keep an eye on watering until it gets going.

[Jules2]

thanks very much everyone!

I'll be having the grand planting ceremony on Saturday.......just need to get some manure first.