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Allotment Stuff => The Basics => Topic started by: sandra Riley on February 25, 2009, 16:06:45

Title: What is the best way to prune gooseberries?
Post by: sandra Riley on February 25, 2009, 16:06:45
Hi, Just wondering if somebody can suggest the best way to prune gooseberries,
they were already on our allotment and only had about 3 berries on last year.
Thanks
Title: Re: What is the best way to prune gooseberries?
Post by: Tee Gee on February 25, 2009, 16:37:44
Prune out any shoots that are growing into the centre of the bush to form a goblet shape and keep the centre of the bush open.

Some more info here; http://www.thegardenersalmanac.co.uk/Data/Gooseberry/Gooseberry.htm (http://www.thegardenersalmanac.co.uk/Data/Gooseberry/Gooseberry.htm)
Title: Re: What is the best way to prune gooseberries?
Post by: tonybloke on February 25, 2009, 17:25:13
best way is to get someone with thorn - proof hands to do it!! ;D ;D ;D
Title: Re: What is the best way to prune gooseberries?
Post by: saddad on February 25, 2009, 17:27:58
I've avoided saying that all afternoon!  ;D
Title: Re: What is the best way to prune gooseberries?
Post by: tonybloke on February 25, 2009, 17:28:33
sorry david! ;D ;D ;D
Title: Re: What is the best way to prune gooseberries?
Post by: sandra Riley on February 26, 2009, 08:51:53
Thank you I will, give it a go, or get OH to do it !!  We just got loads of lovely leaves on the bushes last year and only a couple of gooseberries !
Thanks again   
Title: Re: What is the best way to prune gooseberries?
Post by: Melbourne12 on February 26, 2009, 09:30:22
Quote from: sandra Riley on February 26, 2009, 08:51:53
Thank you I will, give it a go, or get OH to do it !!  We just got loads of lovely leaves on the bushes last year and only a couple of gooseberries !
Thanks again   

Did you feed them with anything?  Too much nitrogen will encourage leafy growth and discourage fruiting.  Sulphate of potash is the traditional feed for soft fruit bushes, or you can buy high potash feed formulations designed for fruit.

The other possibility is that the flower buds got stripped by birds.