Can someone talk gooseberries with me?

[Cathpot]

I'd really like to grow some gooseberries but I know nothing about them. I planted what I thought was a gooseberry two years ago and it turned out to be a mislabelled blackcurrant of some sort. I have a little bit of space next to the blackcurrant in a mixed bed which is mainly trees and camillas, acid soil, sunny but windy garden. Are those ok conditions? How much space do they need? Any particular types? I like as low maintenance as possible! We are away from home until late June, have I missed the window for this year?

[bookbook]

yes, shove - dithering, and the two I have are horridly thorny !
The joy of going and choosing, is I will be able to see and pick the best looking /shaped one . They are so good there.

[shovetheholly]

Yes - that's such a huge advantage with a proper garden centre! To have a decent selection in a good range of varieties is a rarity these days.

[bookbook]

I am going tomorrow! Off to buy two !
I rang the nursery I use ,and they have them in pots, so going to choose :)

[livingthegoodlife]

I have 2 Hinomaki red and 2 green (remember name). They seem to be doing well! Good luck with the red gooseberries.

[wonkylegs]

We have a fab gooseberry growing in crappy clay soil with very little input from me, the only thing I would say is to remember to net them as the blackbirds love them and can strip a bush in a very short time.
Mine are looking good and I think will be perfect to pick in the next 7-10 days

[bookbook]

Thanks living - looking forward to tasting them next year .
I ended up with 1 x Hinnomaki Red a nd 1 x Whinhams Industry.
My green ones are nearly ready to pick too wonky- already netted , as they stripped another bush which I foolish left unprotected - ah well!