Two significant attributes indicate the perfect nutritional supply of gooseberries. The fruit bush has shallow roots and is a heavy feeder at the same time. Find out here how and when to fertilize for a lush harvest and carefree enjoyment.
How and when should you fertilize gooseberries?
Gooseberries need regular organic fertilization to grow optimally. Rake in compost with horn shavings in spring, fertilize again after flowering and administer nettle manure every two weeks during the growth phase, finally fertilize one last time after harvest.
Organic mulching and fertilizing go hand in hand
Gooseberries thrive in nutrient-rich soil. Nevertheless, replenishment of nutrients is required from time to time during the growing season because the shallow-rooted plants quickly use up the available supplies. Since environmentally and he alth-conscious hobby gardeners no longer get mineral-chemical preparations through the garden door, organic fertilizers dominate. How to do it right:
- rake a portion of compost with horn shavings into the surface of the soil in early spring
- alternatively fertilize with rotted manure, algae or primary rock flour
- then mulch with comfrey leaves, ferns or nettles
- fertilize organically again after flowering
- administer diluted nettle manure every 2 weeks throughout the entire growth phase
- fertilize one last time immediately after harvest
The mulch layer fulfills several tasks for the gooseberries. It keeps the soil moist longer, releases nutrients and suppresses weeds. This has the advantage that it only needs to be raked rarely. The shallow roots are less exposed to damage.
Sensible alternatives to compost
A garden does not always have enough space for a compost heap. This does not mean that you have to forego organic fertilization of your gooseberries. There is a space-saving alternative called vermicompost. In a close community of compost worms and other microorganisms, kitchen waste is composted using a clever system. The special worm box is designed like this:
- the floor below serves as a habitat for the compost worms
- the next floor provides the mature vermicompost
- On the lower floor there is a collecting tank for worm tea, an organic liquid fertilizer
Anyone with a little craftsmanship can build a worm farm like this themselves. With proper management, there is always a sufficient amount of organic fertilizer available for the gooseberries and other crops.
Tips & Tricks
Don't want scratched hands after the gooseberry harvest? Then grow the variety 'Larell' because it lacks thorns. The rich red fruits are sweet as sugar and particularly burst-proof. Due to its medium growth rate, it also thrives excellently in a pot on the balcony.