Are these beyond saving?

Discussion in 'NEW Gardeners !' started by Sarah Giles, Mar 3, 2015.

  1. Sarah Giles

    Sarah Giles Gardener

    Joined:
    Feb 18, 2015
    Messages:
    318
    Gender:
    Female
    Occupation:
    Volunteer/crazy person
    Location:
    Staffordshire
    Ratings:
    +711
    Found what appear to be gooseberry bushes at my new allotment. They aren't looking very healthy to say the least but are they beyond saving?

    I know CPR....

    IMAG0106.jpg
     
    • Informative Informative x 1
    • noisette47

      noisette47 Total Gardener

      Joined:
      Jan 25, 2013
      Messages:
      5,861
      Gender:
      Female
      Location:
      Lot-et-Garonne, Aquitaine
      Ratings:
      +13,957
      Hi, Sarah. First question is...do you like gooseberries?:biggrin: They are deciduous and do look pretty deadly in winter. I'd give them the benefit of the doubt and see how they crop this year. They don't look very old or decrepit. See also if you get on alright harvesting the fruit, as it can be a painful and prickly experience!
       
      • Agree Agree x 2
      • Like Like x 1
      • Informative Informative x 1
      • Spruce

        Spruce Glad to be back .....

        Joined:
        Apr 10, 2009
        Messages:
        8,731
        Gender:
        Male
        Ratings:
        +12,318
        look fine to me a bit of TLC will work wonders , remove all the grass and give them a good mulch. Dont prune as you will cut off all the flowers wait till the Autumn to get them sorted out
        not bad 1st year and you will have fruit

        You even have a label , lots of cuttings for planting next November :thumbsup:
         
        • Like Like x 1
        • Informative Informative x 1
        • Sarah Giles

          Sarah Giles Gardener

          Joined:
          Feb 18, 2015
          Messages:
          318
          Gender:
          Female
          Occupation:
          Volunteer/crazy person
          Location:
          Staffordshire
          Ratings:
          +711
          Have to admit I've never tried them! Dont want to get rid of an otherwise living plant though :)
           
          • Agree Agree x 1
          • "M"

            "M" Total Gardener

            Joined:
            Aug 11, 2012
            Messages:
            18,607
            Location:
            The Garden of England
            Ratings:
            +31,885
            My mother had them in her garden and my memory is they are a firm, hairy, tart fruit. She made fabulous crumbles, pies and a stewed fruit topping for ice cream with them :blue thumb: I'm sure there must be lots of recipes on the web so you can use them up and feed your family for pennies. :ideaIPB: Here you go:- "What to do with gooseberries" (BBC Good Food) :)
             
            • Informative Informative x 1
            • Ellie Jones

              Ellie Jones Gardener

              Joined:
              Aug 9, 2014
              Messages:
              170
              Gender:
              Female
              Occupation:
              Specialised Dementia Care
              Location:
              Bridgwater
              Ratings:
              +281
              Traditionally gooseberries are a rather tart fruit (one I don't like) and needs a lot of sugar to sweeten them..

              But I'm sure that I've seen new varieties that are sweeter than the traditional ones..
               
            • Ariadae

              Ariadae Super Gardener

              Joined:
              Aug 18, 2008
              Messages:
              460
              Location:
              Shropshire
              Ratings:
              +679
              I love gooseberries, they do need to be picked ripe but gently poached with plenty of sugar and an almond frangipan topping they are superb!
               
              • Like Like x 2
              • Informative Informative x 1
              Loading...

              Share This Page

              1. This site uses cookies to help personalise content, tailor your experience and to keep you logged in if you register.
                By continuing to use this site, you are consenting to our use of cookies.
                Dismiss Notice