Growing A Gooseberry Bush
(continued  - page 2)

Prepare the soil in advance of planting, gooseberry bushes will be productive for up to 20 years, so a little effort at this stage will satisfy their needs for well-drained, medium type soil. Dig a hole of about 1m (3 ft) round, incorporate as much organic material as possible. Do the digging in August to give the soil time to settle by October . Where more than one bush is being planted, allow 1.6m (5ft) between bushes.

At planting time in October, dig out a 60cm (2ft) hole in the centre of the previously dug area to a depth so that the soil mark on the bush will come to the existing soil level. Place the bush in the hole, spread out the roots evenly and replace the soil, firming it down with your foot.

Taking Care of Gooseberry Bushes
Gooseberry bushes are relatively simple to care for, each of their needs is dealt with below.

Watering and Feeding
Gooseberry bushes need the soil to be kept moist, especially when the fruit is being formed. In dry periods during June to August, water them to keep the soil moist. 

Put a layer of organic material to act as a mulch around (but not touching) the main stem each Spring. Where no organic material is available, incorporate a couple of handfuls into the top soil around the bush and cover the soil with bark chipping or similar to prevent the growth of weeds. A couple of handfuls of bonemeal applied again September should be all that is needed. 

Bird Protection
Some birds are notorious for pecking out the young fruits in mid-May time, and then coming back for more in July to eat the almost ripened fruits. It's a matter of luck if you suffer from this nuisance. One solution is to wind coloured cotton thread round the branches which will deter the birds to some degree.
The best protection however undoubtedly comes from a fruit cage. Not only will it protect your gooseberries but the larger ones will protect most of your fruit plants from bird, squirrel, rabbit and most other large pests. Click here to see a range of excellent quality and good value walk-in, heavy duty steel fruit cages.

Other walk-in fruit cages are available by clicking on the descriptions below:
Decorative Steel Fruit Cage
Aluminium Fruit Cage, by far the best on the market in it's class!
Timber Fruit Cage, for a more rugged natural look

Smaller fruit cages are also available below:
Steel Vegetable and Strawberry Cage, stands 1.2m high above ground
Steel Freestanding Veg and Strawberry Cage, easily moved around
Aluminium Vegetable Cage - the cost effective option

Pruning
Prune the bushes in February each year. Keep the centre of the bush clear of most growth by cutting out any weak or dead branches. On the outside of the bush, young growth should be left untouched, older and longer side shoots should be cut back to within 2cm (1 inch) of their base. The aim is to achieve a wine glass shape with the centre of the bush reasonably clear of growth.