Which branches should I chop off ?

Just thinking about it as an activity for January

 

Yeah, I usually chop off branches in January

 

If you are short of things to do in January, why not read up about pruning times/techniques ?

 

What is it?

 

I dont really understand this reply but i normally cut them off in Jan too

Ive read about this for months but most keep saying making a goblet shape but im not sure how to make this into a goblet shape which is why im asking what to cut .

gooseberry

 

Hmm these responses are a bit less useful than normal but ive asked AI to colour the branches . Hopefully that will help in identifying which ones should be cut

 

Have you just read about pruning or pruning gooseberries in particular? I would suggest the latter.

 

Ive read about both as i prune other plants as well but most of the stuff i come across eg
Goose Berry Care - Port Kells Nurseries
is suggesting goblet shaped but i dont know if these diagrams are realistic. Also should i really remove branches that are near the soil if they are looking ok . Just asking as this is going to be the first time ive done a gooseberry

 

Gooseberry bushes are usually grown on what they call a short 'leg' so you should cut off any small branches at the bottom of the main stem to about a 12" high.

Then, cut out any crossing, rubbing or inward facing branches. As for a goblet shape, think of a red wine glass - that is the shape to aim for when pruning your gooseberry bush.

If, however, you have a young gooseberry bush and I see you have yours in a pot, you could leave the pruning for another year. it won't hurt the plant and it should still fruit next year.

Hope this helps.

 

im not sure i want to leave it another year

 

That's too early; you're supposed to leave it until Branch Chopping Off day which is February 13th.