Living in the Florida panhandle, the soil is just sand. How can I prepare the soil for planting and growing healthy gooseberry plants?
These articles should help: https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/edible/fruits/gooseberries/growing-gooseberries.htm
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/garden-how-to/soil-fertilizers/amending-sandy-soil.htm
What is a typical spray that is safe to use to use on gooseberry bushes to treat for bug infestations and avoid compromising the fruit? Thank you.
We recommend using neem oil for most insect pests. It is safe to use and very effective. Here is more information: https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/problems/pests/neem-oil-uses.htm
My gooseberries and red, white currants are in pots. Can I get rid of them by emptying the dirt out and getting rid of it and replacing with new dirt? They have wiped these plants out skeletonizing them 2 years in a row. Thanks for any help you can give.
Yes, I would replace the soil.
Here is an article with more information.
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/plant-problems/pests/insects/sawfly-insect-control.htm
When do I prune gooseberry bushes?
Pruning should be done when the plants are dormant, late winter or early spring.
Here are some links with more information.
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/edible/fruits/gooseberries/growing-gooseberries.htm
http://www.fruit.cornell.edu/mfruit/gooseberries.html
Have a gooseberry bush that I need to get rid of. It's in a spot where it cannot be dug up. How do I kill it off?
You could try cutting the bush as close to the ground as possible, and then either covering up the stump with mulch or treating the stump with an herbicide. For safety, always follow the herbicide label directions.
If you cannot reach the bush to cut it down, you could try girdling it near the base:
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/trees/tgen/how-to-fix-girdled-trees.htm
how do i prepair gooseberries for making jam and also for eating when ripe?
These articles have information for you.
Do a Google search for recipes, you will find lots!
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/edible/fruits/gooseberries/harvesting-gooseberry-plants.htm
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/edible/fruits/gooseberries/harvesting-gooseberry-plants.htm
Where can I by gooseberry plants?
We don't usually recommend places to buy plants. I would recommend checking with your local nurseries, and if they can't get them, then you can turn to online nurseries. Many will have them and ship to just about anywhere as long as the plant is not blacklisted in your area.