Gooseberries.--From the middle of October to the end of November is
the best time for planting. To produce good crops the soil should be
rich, deep, and well drained. The position should be somewhat cool and
sheltered, and a liberal quantity of liquid manure is beneficial. In
dry seasons mulching may be resorted to with advantage. Cuttings are
taken in autumn as soon as the leaves begin to fall. Select strong
shoots about 1 ft. long. Cut the bottom end straight across, just
below a joint, and with a sharp knife remove all the buds or eyes from
the base to within a couple of inches of the top, so as to prevent the
formation of suckers. Plant the shoots firmly 3 in. deep, in rows 1
ft. apart and 6 in. apart in the rows, on a north border. At the end
of the second season cut back all leading shoots to two-thirds of
their length. In after years remove weak and superfluous branches, as
also any that are growing near the ground, but plenty of young wood
must always be left on the bushes. The pruning may be done either in
spring or autumn. The following varieties may be recommended:--Red,
White, and Yellow Champagne, Wilmot's Early Red, Golden Drop,
Ironmonger, and Warrington Red for dessert; while for preserving and
culinary purposes Old Rough Red, Conquering Hero, Favourite, Broom
Girl, British Crown, Ironsides, Lady Leicester, Thumper, Green Walnut,
Leader, and Moreton Hero may be classed among the leading varieties.
When grown in bush form ample room must be allowed between each to
enable one to get round the bushes to gather the fruit.
Gooseberry Caterpillar.--To prevent caterpillars attacking
Gooseberries syringe the bushes with a decoction of common foxglove
(Digitalis), or dust the leaves with Hellebore powder. If the
caterpillar has begun its attack, sprinkle some fresh lime below the
bushes, and shake the bushes vigorously, so that the insects are
dislodged.