[sillysuffolk]

I have started a row of gooseberry bushes, so far I have three bushes but they are different varieties because I bought them at different times. Does this matter? Should I have the same variety? I'm also not sure about pruning, any advice? 

[savbo]

The pruning advice I'm trying to follow (with three big old inherited bushes) is to try to get a goblet shape, with a clear stem of about a foot so you can get at the ground where the sawflies hibernate and an open cup so air can circulate (the sawfly larvae like it humid). Not as easy at it sounds...

[SG6]

If different they should pollinate better and so crop better.
One problem may be that one variety is more susceptible to mildew and so pass it to another owing to the proximity.

As to pruning, best is a shape that causes least damage to your hands and arms.

I have some half standards and they hang down. Easy picking and a good crop.

I recall that they always said the same of roses - prune to an open bowl shape. The RHS did a trial with 3 beds of roses and found that a hedge trimmer 3 foot off the ground gave better growth and more flowers. Sort of upset all the rules.

[gypsy]

When should I prune the goosegog bushes?

[Madame Cholet]

I've put two goosegogs in my edible hedge, which replaced the falling down fence they finally appear to be ripening the green is blushing pink. Just about 6 to taste this year.

Don't expect to do any tecnical prunning as they are primarily as a hedge and the fruit will be a bonus will be interesting to see how they fair. they are between the cobnuts and the raspberry trellis.