Being self-fertile and productive, it is ideal for the small garden. Gooseberries excel in the cooler areas of the Midlands and North. They are tolerant of most soils but not of waterlogging. Growth may be weak on poor gravel soils or soft and disease susceptible on heavy clays. Both these extremes benefit from enrichment with garden compost, peat or leaf mould.
Gooseberries are very sensitive to potash deficiency.
As gooseberries flower early in the spring it is important not to plant them in low-lying, frosty areas. For economy of space, they may be planted between plum trees as both appreciate generous manuring. Besides the more usual bush forms, single, double, or triple cordons can be grown for special dessert or exhibition berries. Standard gooseberries are easier for elderly people to grow and pick. The lower buds are removed to prevent suckers from forming.