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The best time to plant is
October; the soil is still warm, and this
allows the roots to establish themselves quickly before the rest
of the plant begins to put on new spring growth. Any time
up to
February
is satisfactory, as long as the soil is not
frozen or water-logged. |
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.
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