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Ribes grossularia. Easy to grow if a few guidelines are followed.  Gooseberries like rich, moist, loamy soil NOT hot dry sandy ones. Pruning to maintain on ‘open’ bush and not planting too close making sure there is good air flow around the plants will all help to avoid mildew. Bushes will reach about 1.2m (4ft) and  should be spaced about 1.5m (5ft) apart  1.8m (6ft) between rows or can be grown as cordons 45cm (18”) apart  as fans  (very good for picking  as you are less likely to be prickled!) and as standards . All these trained forms are good if space is at a premium .

Pruning is undertaken in late winter. Reducing last seasons growth by 1/3rd and removing any crowded, dead or displaced branches  always aiming for an open  goblet shaped bush with maximum air flow. After pruning, mulch well.

Pest & Disease - the main diseases are mildew  -  best avoided by maintaining an open bush and ensuring a site with some air movement  and a good moisture retentive soil. American mildew - where the fruits go leathery and dry out and tips of the plant look burnt - again husbandry  in terms of pruning, feeding and soil conditions will all help guard against this. The main Pest is the Sawfly caterpillar - which will defoliate a plant if allowed to  - pick off infestations as soon as they are noticed.  There are also sprays that can be used -if you must!

Harvesting - culinary varieties can be picked and stewed, frozen, jammed, or bottled  . Dessert varieties- use some in the  green under ripe form for cooking which helps ‘thin’ the crop then allow the rest to ripen for eating raw or stewing gently.

Varieties: Gooseberry Hinnonmaki Yellow;

Gooseberry Hinnonmaki Red; Gooseberry Invicta; Gooseberry Pax.