What can I grow in this plot?

[JohnF53]

Hi, I have a raised bed that I plan to grow some fruit in. I would appreciate it if you can suggest what's best to grow and how to configure the bed.
So, the bed is 8 feet long and 4 feet wide (so not big) with the long side facing the sun.
Something like this:


I would like to have raspberries (autumn type) and I wonder what arrangement would be best to plant them in.
Also can I grow something else as well in the bed. Gooseberries maybe? How many bushes?

Is this arrangment better?



or this one



for getting the maximum light onto the raspberries? Would the row of raspberries be better at the front or back - I'm thinking of how they might shade other things.

Spot represent raspberries. Question mark presents some other fruit.

What do you think?


Thanks, John

[veggiechicken]

When you say raised bed, what height - or do you mean an edged bed?
Taller plants on the north side, stagger the heights towards the sun (south).
Gooseberries are prickly things to deal with, you'll need to be able to pick both sides of the bush and a row of raspberries along one side may make it more difficult for access. I'd plan something thornless instead.
Spacing - no idea but you could underplant the lot with strawberries, especially woodland ones.

[JohnF53]

The bed is about 1 foot deep. I'm not sure if I mean an edged bed. This one is about a foot deep, made with wooden planks.

Thanks for tip about gooseberries. Also, underplanting with something lower growing sounds good.

What else could I underplant other than strawberries? Strawberries are good but I somehow have the impression they are difficult to cultivate and keep them from getting eaten by slugs etc.

[veggiechicken]

I was just checking on how "raised" it was as raspberries can grow 7-8' high
Alpine strawberries are no real problem. They'll spread and you just let them get on with it - think of them as edible ground cover!!

[Two_Sheds]

raspberries along one side ... I'd plan something thornless instead.

Polka raspberry are thornless, and have lovely big firm fruits. They sucker like mad, so lots of free plants to give away

[veggiechicken]

It was an alternative for prickly gooseberries - not the raspberries

[JohnF53]

I was just checking on how "raised" it was as raspberries can grow 7-8' high
Alpine strawberries are no real problem. They'll spread and you just let them get on with it - think of them as edible ground cover!!

Thanks. I've read up a bit on alpine strawberries and they sound good. I'll give then go.