GOOSEBERRIES

GooSeberrieS thrive best in rich soil with plenty of moisture, but are very adaptable and can be grown almost anywhere, alongside red and white currants.

it is best either to grow gooseberries as a goblet-shaped bush from a single stout stem or as cordons — a single stem growing from the base of the plant up wires supported on wooden stakes. both methods mean that the plants receive plenty of air and sunlight, resulting in a quality crop.

one of my favourite varieties is ‘whinham’s industry’ (pictured), a dessert or cooking red-fruited gooseberry with upright growth and excellent taste. other good varieties include ‘invicta’, ‘whitesmith’, ‘Langley Gage’ and ‘London’ (red).