I asked the guys at Thomspson and Morgan and they got back to me with this:
Thank you for your email.
We passed your comments on to our horticulturalist, please see the answers to your questions in blue.
I was intending to create a raised bed on bed 4 for strawberries. And then grow (NOT on raised beds) Blueberries on bed 3, Summer Fruiting Raspberries on Bed 2 and lastly Autumn Fruiting Raspberries on Bed 1. I wanted to try and grow Rhubarb somewhere but can’t think of where to incorporate it in the plan. Could reduce the size of bed 4 strawberries and plant 2 Rhubarbs at one end of plot
Questions:
1. From looking at the floor plan of the fruit cage have I made the best use of the space? Looks ok
2. Have I decided on the right soft fruit? Are there any you could recommend which you love to grow and eat? You could plant 1 row summer raspberries and 1 row autumn in same bed 2 , put 1st row 30cm from path and 2nd row 30cm from path leaving approx 55 cm between rows . On other bed you could plant 2 black berry , 2 tayberry trained up wire and some red, black currants on rest of bed 3 of each
3. If I do go with the fruit I have chosen how many plants should I order bearing in mind that the raspberries are only available in packs of 5 canes. 10 canes of each spaced along row , up wires
4. How many blueberry plants do I order for bed 3? 8 spaced in a domino pattern down bed (needs ericaceous compost adding
5. What variety of blueberries select an early , mid and late fruiting , raspberries Polka for autumn , Glen Ample for summer and strawberries Elegance as a June bearer, Flamenco as an everbearer , do you recommend?
6. When should I start to plant my fruit cage? Autumn planting from October / November is best
7. Where can I incorporate the Rhubarb? As mentioned at end of strawberry bed
8. How should I prepare the soil? Fruit like a fertile soil with plenty of organic matter added , BLUEBERRIES LIKE ERICACEOUS COMPOST
9. Any other advice? Enjoy growing and picking your own .
If there is anything further I can be of assistance with, please get in touch. I'll be happy to help.
With best regards,
Sarah Dunnett
Customer Service Team