New Plot - Orchard

[leonmc0708]

Alright Guys and Gals

I have managed to get my hands on anotehr couple of plots adjacent to mine, so have 3 now.

The first is all raised beds and a couple of greenhouses and a shed and compst pile which I have had for a few years now. Its got very little scope now for new areas as its all boxed off - hance my desire to get my hands on a couple more plots.

The second I am going to put 20 raised beds 12ft by 4 ft for vegetables, not bothering with a greenhouse or shed as I have one on my old plot and one on the new.

the third plot I am planning on making fruit only - an orchard if you like, and its on this I have a few uestions.

Planning to build a cage 18ft by 12ft for blackberries and raspberries - what otehr fruits would/should I have in here ?

got a strip of land 20ft wide and 35ft long I was going to plant some rows of fruit trees on - how close/far apart should I plant the rows. I was going to put a row of apples, one of pears, one of plumbs, one of cherries and one of apricots. Is htere any problem having these next to one anotehr ?

Any other tips, help or advice would be welcome.

LEon

[StaryD]

As for the cage, you could put black/red/white currants, Tayberry, loganberry, gooseberry could do your strawberries in there as well.

[alldigging]

What are you site rules on trees?
Make sure they don't shade/root anyone elses plot.

[leonmc0708]

its on the side of the plot where the only shade would be on my plot if you get me.

No rules - tree's all over the show.

dont get hte root thing ??

[alldigging]

Trees have roots... If the tree is near another plot then the roots will be...

[orangepippin]

Most fruit trees are grafted on rootstocks, and these can be used to control the mature height of the tree. A related point is that the smaller (more dwarf) the tree, the more you can pack into a smaller space. I would certainly go for dwarf trees in an orchard situation.

Dwarf apple trees can be planted 1m apart (on M27 rootstock) or 2.5m apart (M9 rootstock). They would normally be tied to posts for support.

There are different rootstocks for plums, cherries etc. In general these are not so dwarfing, and in an allotment situation I think for these fruits you would be better growing them as fans on a trellis.

I think you are being optimistic with the apricot in Liverpool ... but you might try the variety Tomcot, planted in the sunniest and most sheltered spot you can find.