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I show you how to grow gooseberries from cuttings from taking the cuttings to planting them in gritty soil to root.
How and when to Grow Gooseberries From Cuttings

How and when to Grow Gooseberries From Cuttings

Growing gooseberries from cuttings is an easy and inexpensive process that can be done by following a few simple steps. When to take gooseberry cuttings Ideally, you want to take hardwood cuttings which should be done between September and October while the ground is still warm to encourage rooting. Still, the most ideal time is just after the plants have dropped their leaves or just before. How to take gooseberry cuttings Cuttings from gooseberry bushes must be made from hardwood…

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Gooseberries should be pruned in winter or spring as the buds start to swell. Maintain growth that is 2-3 years old.
When and How to Prune Gooseberries

When and How to Prune Gooseberries

Gooseberries are some of the hassle-free fruiting shrubs to have in your garden. You can grow them in gardens, big or small, in allotment patches as well as in containers which is one of my favourite ways to grow them. The issue for many people, however, is in regards to pruning these plants and that’s largely because of their thorny nature but also because they need to be pruned every year and correctly to get the most fruit. If you…

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I often get asked what’s Eaten the Leaves on my Gooseberry Bush, its almost always the result of Gooseberry sawflies larvae. Learn more
What’s Eaten the Leaves on Your Gooseberry Bush – Gooseberry Sawfly

What’s Eaten the Leaves on Your Gooseberry Bush – Gooseberry Sawfly

Gooseberry farming was made popular in 19th century Britain, but the plant is still indigenous to many parts of Europe and Western Asia. It is cultivated for various uses, both domestic and commercial purposes. The berries are edible and can be eaten raw or cooked as an ingredient in desserts. They are also used to flavor beverages such as soda, flavored water, and fruit wine. The gooseberry fruit can be preserved in the form of jam, dried fruit, and as…

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The most common reasons why your gooseberry leaves might be curling are an aphid attack although sawfly and over watering also cause wilting leaves.
Why are my leaves curling on my gooseberries?

Why are my leaves curling on my gooseberries?

Leaf curling of gooseberry leaves can either be upwards or downwards depending on a number of factors that affect your gooseberries. They could be nutritional deficiencies, disease or infection, insects, abiotic discharge, waterlogged soil, dehydration and dare I say it, even climate changes. Insect infestation and, in particular, aphids, are usually the first culprit at the first sign of leaf curling, usually affecting the new growth at the tips of the branches. I would say 90% of the time, aphids…

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When and how to prune Magnolia ‘Stellata’? (Star Magnolias)

When and how to prune Magnolia ‘Stellata’? (Star Magnolias)

Magnolia Stellata is a deciduous magnolia tree. As such, it only needs some light pruning. Over pruning of magnolias leads to health issues for them as well as issues with flowering. Magnolia stellata is one of the varieties that can be grown against a wall or fence and shaped, in this case, you can lightly trim them after flowering in spring. If you have one that is too large and needs pruning more significantly, then I recommend renovation pruning over…

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How to take semi-ripe magnolia cuttings – step by step

How to take semi-ripe magnolia cuttings – step by step

It’s quite tricky to take magnolia cuttings and grow them well. Here are the basic steps to follow for a successful process. I have had the most success taking semi-ripe cuttings in late summer to early autumn when the bottom of the cutting is hard and the top soft, I also remove a strip of bark from the bottom of the cuttings on one side known as wounding which seems to help. Growing them with bottom heat also helps them…

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Are there miniature magnolia trees?

Are there miniature magnolia trees?

Magnolia trees range in size from large and wide trees down to compact shrubs. Compact and dwarf magnolias are available and these are best grown in large containers. Here are three of the most popular miniature magnolia trees which are stellata, susan and yellow bird. More on them below. Magnolia Stellata (Star Magnolia) Magnolia Stellata is a compact tree that reaches a height of around 2.5m when it’s fully matured. In early spring, small silvery buds appear on the bare…

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Magnolia trees should be pruned mid-summer after flowering, only lightly prune or prune over a few years if pruning harder.
When and how to prune a magnolia tree?

When and how to prune a magnolia tree?

You don’t need to expend much effort to prune a magnolia tree as they require only light pruning. In fact, overpruning is one of the most common problems with magnolias and can lead to them not developing flowers. When to prune a magnolia tree? Keeping the magnolia tree healthy At times, parts of your magnolia tree may become diseased and even die. Cut off the diseased or dead branches, leaving only the living, healthy, green parts behind. If the branches…

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In this guide, you will learn where the best place to plant a magnolia tree is and how to give it the best start.
Where is the best place to plant a magnolia tree?

Where is the best place to plant a magnolia tree?

It’s difficult to move a magnolia tree once you’ve planted it. So take some time to scout out the perfect location before you plant a magnolia tree. I tell you about its preferred location, soil, and amount of sunlight and heat. Location Magnolias need to be in sheltered places, out of any winds or rainstorms. Don’t plant your magnolia in a wind corridor or where it’s completely exposed. While most magnolias are excellent as lawn trees, make sure that there’s…

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In this guide. I look at why your magnolia buds might not be opening or simply dropping before opening from to much nitrogen to frost damage.
Magnolia buds not opening – common reasons

Magnolia buds not opening – common reasons

Your magnolia buds may not be opening for one or more of several reasons. The most common are that you didn’t have any buds in the first place, that the environment isn’t suitable for your tree, or that your tree hasn’t received the care and attention it needs. Incorrect pruning at the wrong time of year as well as harsh winter frost can also cause buds to drop or cause them to rot and not open. No buds, or just…

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