Gooseberries

[vague]

Hi There

Does anybody here prune back there gooseberries?  I have had mine for a few years now and they are really starting to get bushy. 

Could anybody give some advice on how to prune back?

Ive done some reading and I have just gotten myself confused! I think once I get started I should be ok, but dont want to start chopping  randomly.  Im not too worried about the shape of them, rather the health of the plant.

Many Thanks

[vague]

[saddad]

If they are dormant then hack away, to an upward facing bud or the branches trail on the ground. If they are established plants you probably couldn't over do it! 

[daveyboi]

I tend to just remove the branches that are too near the ground and then those that are too close together to make picking fairly easy . There needs to be a reasonable air flow through the bush to prevent mildew.

[percussionman]

Re: Gooseberry's
I have 4 bushes red and the green type. now is the time to prune your shrubs. from the bottom of the stem remove the bottom branches about two inches from the soil Then on the outer branches trim back leaving a third of the good wood-remove the old inner branches thus  making the shape of a wine goblet. Remember to use some stout gardening gloves and make sure your arms are well covered as the spines are very sharp as you probably have experienced.
What I then do is mulch up around the base around an inch thick of well rotted horse manure. This should do the trick for you. good luck and enjoy your goose gob pies next year. 

[artichoke]

I have been pruning mine quite severely - I had to remind myself not to remove ALL the new growth they have made this year, or there will be little fruit next year.

[powerspade]

Wait until the bush goes dormant. Then begin with any lower branches which are likely to touch the ground, next open up the middle of the plant and prune to form a bowl shape. Any clippings can be pushed into the soil as cuttings for new plants

[vague]

Thanks for the replies.  Makes me feel less afraid of giving them a trim!