Gooseberry Plants Assistance and Growing?

Question

We do not have the space to plant a Gooseberry Bush, but have a large patio area which we place pots on. Are Gooseberry Plants able to survive and produce a crop from a container or pot? In which case which type of compost would be best to grow them in and what type of care is required?

Answer 1

Gooseberry plants are best planted in a large bed, where they have room to grow. However, they can be planted in a large pot - the size depending on the size of the plant - perhaps a pot a foot across for a smallish plant? Compost wise, it will succeed in almost any soil, but prefers a rich loam or black alluvium, and, though naturally a plant of rather dry places, will do well in moist land, if drained.

Care: it is the usual practice to shorten the side branches in the winter, before the buds begin to expand; some reduce the longer leading shoots at the same time, while others prefer to nip off the ends of these in the summer while they are still succulent. When large fruit is desired, plenty of manure should be supplied to the roots, and the greater portion of the berries picked off while still small.

It would be best to consult a really good gardenening book however.