Planting out fruit

[mbronco27_03]

A question for all you avid fruit growers, 2009 was first year I grew veggies really, and I learnt alot, this year I'm doing a new area and growing fruit.

From Focus, I have bought : -

- Rhubarbs roots, currently kept in soil, ready to be planted out.
- Tayberry - came as a twig wrapped in a packet of soil, now in a pot with compost, ready to be planted out.
- Blackberry - came as a twig wrapped in a packet of soil, now in a pot with compost, ready to be planted out.
- Blackcurrent - came as a twig wrapped in a packet of soil, now in a pot with compost, ready to be planted out.
- Raspberry - came as a twig wrapped in a packet of soil, now in a pot with compost, ready to be planted out.

My question is, I want to plant all these to get good crops next year, but don't want to put them out at the wrong time, so when should I put them in the ground? Is this weekend a good time, providing its not raining?

How should I support them, how big will they grow?
All comments and advice please welcome!!

[PomonaFruits]

Dear mbronco

Now is a good time to plant unless the ground is too wet. In these circumstance you would be advised to heel the plants in or pot them up (which you have already done).

The ultimate size of the plants will depend on the varieties you have selected:
Rhubarb - allow 2-3ft spread
Tayberry - allow 8t spread
Blackberry - allow 6-15ft depending on the variety. Usually the thornless varieties are less vigorous.
Blackcurrant - allow 4ft spread
Raspberry - Plant 16 inches apart.

The usually way to grow blackberries/hybrids (i.e. the tayberry) is against a wall using wires attached to vine eyes. Alternatively you could construct a post and wire system. Raspberries are also usually grown on post and wires (unless you have selected a variety like Autumn Bliss which has short and sturdy canes and does not usually require support in sheltered gardens).

Remember to prepare the ground well, dig in plenty of well rotted horse manure (if you can get your hands on it) but avoid chicken manure that is high in nitrates. Don't forget to prune the blackcurrant back really hard (back to 2 buds) and raspberries back to 6-9 inches. Do not plant the raspberries too deep - the top roots should be no more than 2 inches below the soil level.

Hope that helps,

[Tam]

It is advisable to plant your blackcurrant with plenty stem below the ground to give you plenty of new growth from below ground level. As has already been advised, put as much muck in as possible to give them a good start - I have blackcurrants that have been in the same spot for over thirty years and still get massive returns from each plant.
Mulch then well each year with compost and you will find them really generous in return.

[binley100]

Wot no gooseberries!!