I have decided to turn most of my small (30ft x 30ft at best) back garden to fruit production this year, as our allotments rules do not allow permanent plantings on the plots. I've got gooseberries, raspberries and blackcurrants being delivered this week. I've read that as woodland edge plants the raspberries and blackcurrants can cope with some shade. I have one patch which is shadier than the others - does anyone know which of the above is most shade tolerant so I can plant accordingly? Any other advice as I've never grown fruit before will be happily accepted. My soil is acid and heavy clay and the back garden is well protected, SW facing and rarely gets heavily frosted even when the front garden is white with frost (I'm in the North East). I'm prepping the soil with a good digging in of garden compost.
Cheers
Ceri
I would say the raspberries will tolerate more shade than the currants but black currants will take more shade than red or white I think.
When planting dig in lots or organic matter/manure and blood and bone. We ask a lot of fruit crops and they are hungry feeders.
Plant currents slightly deeper than they were grown at the nursery, this will encourage more roots and help feeding.
In the first season make sure they do not dry out at all.
Jerry
Thanks Jerry. I have taken your advice and had a very satisfying day planting all my soft fruit. I've planted 6 raspberry canes at a 45 degree angle a la Bob Flowerdew so hopefully I'll be able to reach the lovely fruit! First day without rain for ages so perfect timing. Does anyone know if I'll get fruit this year, or do I have to wait 'til next?
Ceri
Ceri,
I'm in Gateshead and planted about half a dozen raspberry canes last year. I got a small crop, but tended to be harvesting them in ones and two. Eventually I decided to save them up and freeze them until I had enough for a full serving. The family ate them on X-mas day and very nice they were too!!
Hopefully in their second year I won't have to save them. Good luck with yours.
Can't help you on the currant front, the ones I've got were given to me by one of the old boys on the site as cuttings but he couldn't remember whether they were red, black or white. Nothing last year but they have bushed up so maybe this year.
Andy
Forgot to mention, blueberries like acid soil and can tolerate partial shade.
Cheers
Andy