I have asked about this before but it is slightly different this time.
I am thinking of putting a large trough like container on the outside wall to make up for lack of space so I grow more gooseberries.
Any ideas on how to do it?
If you mean against the wall rather than on the wall, I would grow the gooseberries as cordons tied to the wall. Make sure you do not buy a variety that droops but grown in this way you can get a large crop in a small area and they are easy to pick without getting pricked too much by thorns.
Quote from: laurieuk on June 30, 2014, 20:11:55
If you mean against the wall rather than on the wall, I would grow the gooseberries as cordons tied to the wall. Make sure you do not buy a variety that droops but grown in this way you can get a large crop in a small area and they are easy to pick without getting pricked too much by thorns.
No I meant in a large hanging basket.
You mean literally in hanging basket... :drunken_smilie:
Umm..err...you might get some problems with success...BUT...hey, you just don't know what is possible if you don't try.
Before you venture to the challenge, may I point out important factors.
Gooseberries need good amount of moisture!! So don't line your basket with normal hanging basket liner that is porous through out..you need old compost bag or other 'solid' piece of plastic with just small hole for drainage at the bottom.
Next issue is the planting mix...normal compost that is light enough for hanging basket is not appropriate for gooseberry bush that will need more substantial soil based planting mix. So your supports, wall and baskets will have some weight issues to cope with.
Third thing is..while the shrub is small..it may yield small amount for you..but when the bush start getting little bit bigger..you will MUCH larger container for it grow on..or start again with new/dived bush.
Feeding...smaller the container/soil area and you will have to provide food and water for the bush..that can be quite tricky thing to adjust as you would have to do this very regurlarly.
I would not say it is impossible...but will truly be a challenge and particularly to do it with so you get some rewards for the hard work too!
You have many other options for hanging basket culture, some that would be easier.. tomatoes, strawberries ...even blueberries (small bush varieties).
If you do decide to try...do let us know how you get on with it..who knows..we all might be copying you in future... :icon_cheers:
Quote from: goodlife on July 08, 2014, 12:09:30
You mean literally in hanging basket... :drunken_smilie:
Umm..err...you might get some problems with success...BUT...hey, you just don't know what is possible if you don't try.
Before you venture to the challenge, may I point out important factors.
Gooseberries need good amount of moisture!! So don't line your basket with normal hanging basket liner that is porous through out..you need old compost bag or other 'solid' piece of plastic with just small hole for drainage at the bottom.
Next issue is the planting mix...normal compost that is light enough for hanging basket is not appropriate for gooseberry bush that will need more substantial soil based planting mix. So your supports, wall and baskets will have some weight issues to cope with.
Third thing is..while the shrub is small..it may yield small amount for you..but when the bush start getting little bit bigger..you will MUCH larger container for it grow on..or start again with new/dived bush.
Feeding...smaller the container/soil area and you will have to provide food and water for the bush..that can be quite tricky thing to adjust as you would have to do this very regurlarly.
I would not say it is impossible...but will truly be a challenge and particularly to do it with so you get some rewards for the hard work too!
You have many other options for hanging basket culture, some that would be easier.. tomatoes, strawberries ...even blueberries (small bush varieties).
If you do decide to try...do let us know how you get on with it..who knows..we all might be copying you in future... :icon_cheers:
I wonder if lack of moisture that caused my poor yields this year, plus lack of food. Some of them are on a hill.