Question
When is the best time of year for transplanting a
gooseberry bush.  I live in New England. zone 5. It's rather
large, should I prune back significantly (bush is very thorny)
before I move it?  Thank you.

Answer
Karen,

As with most plants I suggest transplanting in the late fall to lessen the effects of the damaged root system.  I would prune back fairly severely to ease pressure on the root system for water transport and also due to the thorns.  Wait unitl you are ready to move the plant to prune.  If you prune now it will stimulate new growth.  

To help make the transition easier start to root prune by taking your shovel or spade and push into the soil and pull straight out one shovel width every 10 days.  It will take until fall to get all of the way around the bush, but the plant will have started to regenerate roots at the previously cut ends.  This will also make digging much easier when you move the plant this fall.  

Good luck

Gary