~Brian~ wrote:
Having now planted the crowns they are sprouting well. The advice about not
picking in the first season - do you just leave the stalks on and let them
die back naturally, or do they have to be removed at some stage.

Let them die back naturally, when they can be folded over on themselves
and act as mulch.

Next year when you pull some, don't pull any after the gooseberries have
cropped. (Or you'll weaken the crown.)

--
Rusty