THE GOOSEBERRY 



The gooseberry and the currant are the two hardiest bush fruits which are culti- 

 vated, and the gooseberry, like the currant, succeeds in all parts of the Province, although 

 the hardy gooseberries are confined to the varieties derived from the native species and 

 to crosses between the native and the European. The European varieties are only 

 .grown successfully in favored locations as in most places they are very subject to 

 mildew. 



The gooseberry, like the currant, requires a cool, moist, though well-drained soil 

 to give the best results, and suffers more than almost any other fruit in a dry time. 

 These cool, moist conditions are best obtained as a rule by planting in a well-drained 

 friable clay loam. The soil should be thoroughly prepared, as although the gooseberry 

 will give a fine crop of fruit, even if not well cared for, the size will be small. Goose- 

 berries may be planted with success either in spring or fall, but the fall planting is 

 preferable, as growth begins early and plants usually receive a severe check if planted 

 in the spring. 



A good distance for planting is six by four or five feet. As gooseberries and cur- 

 rants are usually planted together, it is best to give them both the same distance, so 

 that cultivation will be easier. The soil should be well cultivated every year to retain 

 moisture. As the gooseberry makes much more wood each year than is needed, annual 

 pruning is necessary. 



The pruning should be begun before growth starts the second year, and with the 

 object of obtaining an open bush having four or five main fruiting branches well dis- 

 tributed. The annual pruning should consist of removing most of the young branches, 

 leaving a few of the best to take the place of some of the older ones later on and re- 

 moving enough of the laterals to open up the head. 



The gooseberry produces its fruit on spurs on wood two or more years old, hence 

 there should always be a fair amount of this wood. Wood more than three years old 

 should be removed to give place to that which is younger and which will bear better 

 fruit. 



The soil should be well fertilized and treated in this respect much like the currant. 



The bushes will bear some fruit in the third season and should have a full crop in 

 the fourth. 



Although in England and Europe ripe gooseberries are highly esteemed, few of 

 them are eaten raw in Ontario, hence this fruit is usually picked green and used for 

 sauce, canning and pies. Being firm, it ships well and is usually a profitable crop. 



VARIETIES RECOMMENDED. 

 General List, approved by the Board of Control. 



American Varieties: Pearl, Downing, Red Jacket. 



English Varieties: Crown Bob, Whitesmith, Industry, Keepsake. Not recommended 

 on account of mildew, unless to be thoroughly sprayed with the lime sulphur mixture. 



DISTRICT LISTS. 

 BURLINQTON-OAKVILLE DISTRICT 



{Including the southern part of the counties bordering on Lake Ontario between 



Hamilton and Toronto). 

 A. W. Peart, Burlington. 



Pearl, Downing, Red Jacket. 



W. F. W. Fisher, Burlington. 

 Downing, Josselyn or Red Jacket. 



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