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. Standard gooseberries are formed by grafting scions on to Ribes aureum rootstocks with stems of the required height. Planting is carried out from November to February on ground previously enriched with farmyard manure. Cut off the topmost roots if need be. Shorten the leading shoots by a half and side-shoots to two buds.