[londongardener]

I was thinking of buying this
http://www.rvroger.co.uk/index.php?linksource=stockitem&listgroupfile=fruitandnuttrees&parentpagefile=OpenGroundFruit&season=MAIN&webfilename=gooseberry_hinnonmaki_yellow


What are the advantages and disadvantages (apart from the cost) of buying a standard?

[Trikidiki]

I'm having problems with your link but assume it is a standard gooseberry.

Advantages : Less bending over and I seem to recall reading somewhere that you are less likely to get problems with gooseberry sawfly. They look good.

Disadvantages: Trickier to prune to keep its shape. Can get top-heavy with a risk of breaking the stem unless well supported.

I grow my gooseberries as fans/espaliers trained on wires. Main advantage is that being on one plane they are very easy to thin the fruits and eventually pick without scratching your hands to pieces. Much better airflow around the plants helps to avoid mildew which gooseberries can be prone to.

[londongardener]

Thanks, I suppose we can just put canes against it if necessary.

[Trikidiki]

It would work but tends to spoil the good looks.

[londongardener]

It would work but tends to spoil the good looks.

You haven't seen my garden - sadly that is a bit like a pig not putting its lipstick on properly.

[Trikidiki]

Faint heart ne'er kissed a pig.