I planted mine about 1m apart, and try to keep them about 1m in diameter and height. Yes, I get scratched by the thorns when I pick the fruit, but I put up with it - at least, so far!!
I kind of instinctively put the small canes around last year's plant and tied it to try and tame it and stop it growing into the surrounding plants (I had a butternut squash in front of it and peas next to it last year)
I think I will replace the small canes with a larger one behind it, tie both plants to it and train them to grow backwards instead against the fence then create the horizontal wire construction as they mature. That way I can keep the space in front of them free for other edible plants each year. Hopefully it will be worth the effort because I love gooseberries but haven't seen them in shops for a very long time.
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Yes, I get scratched by the thorns when I pick the fruit, but I put up with it - at least, so far!!
I think I will replace the small canes with a larger one behind it, tie both plants to it and train them to grow backwards instead against the fence then create the horizontal wire construction as they mature. That way I can keep the space in front of them free for other edible plants each year. Hopefully it will be worth the effort because I love gooseberries but haven't seen them in shops for a very long time.