Summer heat and drought reduce production. Gooseberry fruit can scald in hot weather or if exposed directly to sun. Choose a northern or northeastern slope, or a site that is cool, but sunny. Currants and gooseberries will grow in shade, but then they are more susceptible to mildew. Good air circulation is important for disease prevention.
Gooseberries are more susceptible to mildew than currants.
If a sloping site is selected, place currants below gooseberries. Sites that are frost pockets make unsuitable sites because both plants blossom early. Currants and gooseberries thrive in a cool, moist, well-drained soil that is high in organic matter. Silt and clay loams are ideal. The pH range for both plants is 5.8 to 7.0.