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I've just got some extra space at the allotments which I would like to use to establish a fruit garden. I know that some allotments have rules regarding fruit trees, etc. but I've checked with the Steward and there's no problem on my site. I've put together a design (attached) which has posts and wires around the outsides with either raspberries or espalier/fan fruit trees around the outside, and then four beds with gooseberries, currants, blueberries and rhubarb inside (yes - I realise rhubarb isn't a fruit, but ...). Possibly underplanting the 'walls' with things like lingonberries, strawberries, or perhaps flowers/lavender etc. to attract pollinators. What are your thoughts? It won't all be put in place overnight - there are budgetary constraints to consider - but I would like to have a pretty good idea of where it's going.
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Lavender/sage/chives are a good idea for pollinators, as you say - you might have to think about shade, just to make sure that the strawbs etc. aren't overwhelmed.
You need to have the ability to net the fruit to protect from the birds too.
FB or one of the other fruit experts will be able to advise on varieties - in the mean time, what's your soil like (clay/sand etc)? -
Your raspberries will sucker - you might need to leave some clearance between them and any neighbouring plots..Comment
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Thanks for replies so far. Soil is sandy. Top of the diagram is South-South-East with no significant structures around to cast shade onto the plot.
Neighbouring plot to the bottom of the diagram is my veg plot; to the top is a path I guess some suckers might come up there but would be strimmed as I cut the path.Comment
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Do lingonberries have the same soil requirements as blueberries?Comment
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Lingonberries prefer light, well drained soils such as sand or silt loams with 2 to 6% organic matter and a pH range between 4.3 and 5.5. As with blueberries, high soil calcium content may have a toxic effect on plants. Avoid soils with high salt content, especially sodium and chloride.Comment
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