Which branches should I chop off ?

Discussion in 'Edible Gardening' started by hi2u_uk, Dec 14, 2025 at 3:59 PM.

  1. hi2u_uk

    hi2u_uk Gardener

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    Just thinking about it as an activity for January
     

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  2. pete

    pete Growing a bit of this and a bit of that....

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    Yeah, I usually chop off branches in January:thumbsup:
     
  3. Philippa

    Philippa Gardener

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

      NigelJ Total Gardener

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      What is it?
       
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      • hi2u_uk

        hi2u_uk Gardener

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        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
         
      • hi2u_uk

        hi2u_uk Gardener

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        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
         

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      • katecat58

        katecat58 Super Gardener

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        Have you just read about pruning or pruning gooseberries in particular? I would suggest the latter.
         
      • hi2u_uk

        hi2u_uk Gardener

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        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
         
      • lizzie27

        lizzie27 Total Gardener

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        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.
         
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        • hi2u_uk

          hi2u_uk Gardener

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          im not sure i want to leave it another year
           
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