Position
Plant your gooseberries in full sun, if possible. They do tolerate partial shade but cannot survive in heavy frosts. Shelter your bush from strong winds. This berry is fairly drought-hardy.
Size
A mature bush will grow to a height of about 1.5 metres with a similar spread. So, give your new plants plenty of room to grow.
Soil
Loamy to sandy, well-drained soil is optimal for a healthy gooseberry bush. It should be kept moist and have a pH level of between 5.5 and 7.0. Sandy soil mixed with a little organic compost or potting soil is sufficient.
Just Berry Plants stocks volcanic rock dust with its organic minerals and trace elements. These keep your soil healthy and increase important micro-organisms in it.
Watering
Keep the soil around your bush moist during the growing season. It can tolerate drought but will not fruit during a drought.
Mulching
Add a thick layer of pine bark mulch, keeping it about 20 to 30 centimetres away from the tree trunk (any closer may cause excess moisture and damage the trunk). This will retain the moisture in the soil and will prevent weeds from taking over.
Fertilising
Use our slow-release nitrogen-rich all plant fertiliser. Apply 1 teaspoon every 4-5 months.
Pruning
Most pruning is completed in winter when the bush is dormant. Cut out all dead and diseased wood and shoots growing too close to the ground.
Pests and Diseases
Aphids, citrus psylla, red scale, citrus greening. Spraying regularly with Agricultural Neem Oil or Effective Microorganisms (EM Control ) will assist in either prevention or after the fact. If you already have aphids or mites, wash the tree with a harsh hosing, and when dry, spray with Neem oil or EM Control.
Practice good garden hygiene (remove fallen fruit and leaves).
Watch for root rot (if overwatered) and fungal infections during wet periods.
Harvesting
English Gooseberries are ready to pick when they change from green to a reddish/purple. Handle the soft plump fruits gently and wear thick gloves if the small thorns become unbearable. Gooseberries are at their mouth-watering best immediately after picking. You can keep them fresh in polythene bags in the fridge for up to a week.
