Gooseberry

Gooseberries are the first soft fruits in many gardens, especially if the immature green berries are thinned in May for cooking. Like redcurrants, plants develop a permanent system of fruiting sideshoots, and may be trained as fans, espaliers, cordons and standards, as well as bushes. 'Greenfinch' is an excellent disease-resistant variety which forms quite compact bushes. It gives early yields of bright green fruits which are excellent for cooking. The Royal Horticultural Society have given it their prestigious Award of Garden Merit.