???Being very new to allotment I would like to plant 4 bushes...blackberry,gooseberry,blueberry and tayberry and was wondering the best way to do this and not sure of space needed between plants etc....and if cages or netting needed is the soil type same for all of them..etc. etc..
Sorry for all the ???
Whereabouts in the country are you?
Barnsdale Gardens are running a soft fruit morning course in a couple of weeks' time :D
www.barnsdalegardens.co.uk
:)
Blackberry/Gooseberry/Tayberry are happy with normal conditions but blueberries like damp/acid soil??
I don't bother with cages but depends on your local bird population..
:-\
Thanks Saddad will give them a go with no cages perhaps?
I have mine caged because the birds knew the second my redcurrants were ready when I first got an allotment, and within 24 hours, there was not a current to be seen! Blueberries the same, and I think the birds don't mind them underripe!
For blackberry & tayberry you need to allow at least 8 ft between plants, and they are best grown on a post and wire structure. Gooseberry - as a bush I'd say 3 or 4 ft apart, but you can also grow these as cordons about 18" apart. Blueberry really depends on variety, some are larger than others but at a guess 2 or 3 ft apart. Birds dont seem to bother my blackberries, gooseberries & tayberries, but they did have a go at the new blueberries that have gone in, as well as existing blackcurrants and redcurrants. As saddad has said blueberries like acid soil, and so you'd need to prepare the ground or grow in large pots if your soil is alkaline.
Thanks very much Emma and Jenny ............think I will give it a go with no cages or bluberries and maybe a raspberry instead?....do you think these would be o.k. with no cage as well? :D
Again I don't cage my rasps... I grow autumn bliss because I'm lazy and don't have to fuss about which canes to tie in or cut down, strim them all down!!!!!
;D
Thanks Saddad will be off out Sunday to get them and put in plot on Monday all being well! ;D
Many of these fruit bushes need more space then most think. You need to consider space for picking, pruning, feeding and reducing susceptibility to disease. If there is inadequate air flow between plants then you will get fungal diseases plus care and fruit quality will be affected. Plant less enjoy more!
Estcourt,
No caging equals no fruit, Believe the voice of experience!
valmarg