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Soft fruits

Discussion in 'Edible Gardening' started by Fat Controller, Sep 5, 2014.

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  1. Fat Controller

    Fat Controller 'Cuddly' Scottish Admin! Staff Member

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    I have taken a bit of a shine to making my own jams and preserves and am now considering getting some soft fruit plants to grow my own.

    I have a raspberry plant that I was gifted earlier this year (still need to get it planted out), but that is about it - so, I was wondering about some blackberries, tayberries (are these as nice as the descriptions sound?), and maybe a blueberry tree or three.

    How many plants of each type would be needed for a good haul of fruits, any suggested varieties, and when best to buy?

    As always, all other opinions/advice/banter greatly appreciated.
     
    Fat Controller, Sep 5, 2014
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  2. Jungle Jane

    Jungle Jane Starved Of Technicolor

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    How big an area do you have plant?
     
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      Jungle Jane, Sep 6, 2014
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    • Fat Controller

      Fat Controller 'Cuddly' Scottish Admin! Staff Member

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      Not huge, but I am thinking of working the size of the area that I give over to fruits as a variable (bearing in mind that I have some fairly huge containers also) based on how many plants will be needed to give a reasonable harvest. Initially, I am looking at an area of 4 to 5 m x 1.5 to 2 m

      I am also thinking of getting rid of my strawberries (barely a fruit from them this year) so will be freeing up a couple of large containers that could be used for something else - maybe blueberries in ericaceous compost?
       
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        Fat Controller, Sep 6, 2014
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      • Jungle Jane

        Jungle Jane Starved Of Technicolor

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        That seems like quite a decent size. Your one raspberry cane you were gifted will quickly throw up suckers possibly this year and spread. I bought 2 plants from a bootsale a few years back and they have quickly filled the area they were given (1.5m x 0.5m) and have provided me with over 3 kgs of fruit this year alone.

        I too grow my blueberry bush in a large container, but remember to place a saucer underneath the pot as they like their soil to be damp as well as acidic.

        Blackberries you could train over an arch or fence to save space, or simply buy an upright form. I have an upright form called "Long Ruben" which will apparently reach 2m high and 1.5m wide.

        I don't think you will have enough room to grow blackcurrants as these require a lot more room (which is why I got myself an allotment), although red currents you can train into cordons and train up walls and fences.

        Also (and other members may disagree, so I'm going on my own experience here) I find strawberries are much more productive when planted in the ground than in pots.
         
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          Jungle Jane, Sep 7, 2014
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        • Fat Controller

          Fat Controller 'Cuddly' Scottish Admin! Staff Member

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          Thank you :)

          I think its going to be raspberries from the existing plant, blueberries from containered bushes [the containers take nigh on 150 litres of compost, so hopefully that should keep the moisture levels up], blackberries from an upright variety and maybe some gooseberries, and move the strawberries into the ground (probably in front of the blackberries).

          Any suppliers that are good (preferably online) or am I as well going with the likes of Crocus?
           
          Fat Controller, Sep 7, 2014
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        • Jungle Jane

          Jungle Jane Starved Of Technicolor

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          I've heard good things about ashridge trees. Their prices are quite reasonable and I shall be buying my fruit bushes there when/if my boat comes in
           
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            Jungle Jane, Sep 7, 2014
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          • clueless1

            clueless1 member... yep, that's what I am:)

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            Of all my soft fruits, the bushes that yield highest per bush would be the red currants.
             
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              clueless1, Sep 7, 2014
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            • Fat Controller

              Fat Controller 'Cuddly' Scottish Admin! Staff Member

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              I don't think I have ever even tasted a red currant :redface:
               
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                Fat Controller, Sep 7, 2014
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              • clueless1

                clueless1 member... yep, that's what I am:)

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                They're yummy. They don't seem to have that fragrant floral undertone that black currants have, but they are sweeter and on my bushes, seem to produce more. They are prettier too (in my opinion), with the leaves a slightly more vivid green and the berries look like glossy beads of red glass.
                 
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                  clueless1, Sep 7, 2014
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                • Fat Controller

                  Fat Controller 'Cuddly' Scottish Admin! Staff Member

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                  I'll take a look at them before I order - thanks :)

                  What about gooseberries - they seem to have fallen out of favour for some reason? Are they troublesome?
                   
                  Fat Controller, Sep 7, 2014
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                • longk

                  longk Total Gardener

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                  Per square metre I reckon that it's hard to beat blackcurrant.
                  Plums at the back maybe?
                   
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                    longk, Sep 7, 2014
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                  • longk

                    longk Total Gardener

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                    Caterpillars take the foliage and then birds swoop the second that the fruit is ripe (at least they do here).
                     
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                      longk, Sep 7, 2014
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                    • Fat Controller

                      Fat Controller 'Cuddly' Scottish Admin! Staff Member

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                      I tend to keep mine up front........... :biggrin:

                      I like blackcurrant (who doesn't?), or at least I like most blackcurrant things; oddly, I am not a fan of blackcurrant jam though, no idea why...

                      I have a feeling we will be majoring on blueberries, given their versatility (cakes, muffins, smoothies) even from frozen.
                       
                      Fat Controller, Sep 7, 2014
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                    • Fat Controller

                      Fat Controller 'Cuddly' Scottish Admin! Staff Member

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                      Ah, more trouble than they are worth then.
                       
                      Fat Controller, Sep 7, 2014
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                    • clueless1

                      clueless1 member... yep, that's what I am:)

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                      Goosegog sawfly caterpillars totally annihilate them if you don't spot them in time. Still worth having though. Of all the berries, I think its hard to beat the goosegog for flavour and versatility.
                       
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                        clueless1, Sep 7, 2014
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