[chrissie B]

can I pick them now as they are looking like they may explode they are quite big 2x the size of the few I had last year .
chrissie b

[Dilly Dom]

Hi Chrissie

We started picking ours a couple of weeks ago and yes the are huge this year.

[Nobbie]

Yes,

They should be lovely by now. I left a few on the plants when I did my main picking about a month ago and the last few have been delicious. I think I'll leave more on next year to eat fresh as they fill the gap until the currants are ready and go well with strawberries

[beesrus]

Pick them quick before some critter strips your plants overnight. Squirrels will stash them in their short term Summer larder. It really does happen quite often.

[maloneranger]

This morning I picked a small handful from two Invicta bushes in their first year, here.

Some were starting to split, so should have been sooner, methinks.

Now to make a wee tart or two . .

[Beetroot Queen]

I jammed mine this morning........ Whats next to jam.

[snowdrops]

I've made gooseberry & mint jelly tonight,goes wonderfully with lamb. Will re cook the strained fruit & sieve & have a go at gooseberry,orange & pistachio jam another day.

[chrissie B]

ok will do ive got the sugar and the jars and am I correct in thinking I can trim them as soon as ive picked them .
chrissie b

[maloneranger]

I think I'd leave trimming [topping and tailing] until you are about ready to make the jam.

Then, if you damage any, they'll be fine to use straight away.

[chrissie B]

ok will do , realy pleased with the amounts on my little bushes .
chrissie b

[Headgardener22]

Gooseberry chutney is nice as well as jam.

[chris172]

would have picked mine today as they were looking just ripe and ready.... only someones been in and done it for me...   

[AnneB]

I have made really nice gooseberry curd.

[snowdrops]

would have picked mine today as they were looking just ripe and ready.... only someones been in and done it for me... 

That happened to me 2years ago  . I don't think it could have been birds as there was one left & no pecked ones left lying around.

[chrissie B]

it makes me mad when people do that its so unfair . but getting back to my question can I prune back the bushes as soon as ive picked .
chrissie b