What should I grow?

[vicpivo]

I have an area on my allotment 4X6ft I am preparing to be designated for Fruit. My aim is depending on the weather is to get the ground cleared and manured (if needed) and get something planted next weekend.

It may not be realistic, but I am looking for something perennial and makes a good wine!

I already have a gooseberry bush nearby, and I am hoping for something similar and fairly low maintenance I can plant now (I have no patience!)

Any ideas my fellow fruit growers?

[Flummery]

Blackcurrant makes a good brew. And Raspberries.

[Alison]

All the currants are pretty easy to grow, just depends on what you like really.

[TPeers]

Strawberries make a lovely wine - pity it means you can't eat them fresh off the plant.....

[Salina]

strawberries are quite easy to grow and are delicious, much nicer than the shiny shop bought ones which I think are grown more for looks than taste o.O
I've never tried growing them, but I'd imagine blackberries would be fairly easy to grow since they grow on there own on the roadside with no help at all, so I'm sure they'd produce even more berries in a cultivated enviroment.

[muckdiva]

Rhubarb is very low maintenance and I'm sure it would make a good wine?

[SimonCole]

I'm not in favour of strawberry wines, books say that they taste of strawberries, but to me you get a good wine with fruity peppiness but no strawberry distinction. However a good alpine or wild variety on a short ferment could be worth a go. I'd say that currants and the like are a good bet, but again, you get little flavour that you could not find in the hedgerow (sloes, blackberries and elderberries). Rhubarb is a bit tricky because you cannot let it go near any metal and a good hand is needed to get the flavour (acidity levels). The problem you have with all is to absolutely avoid metal in your brewing, or your brew will contain heavy metals and fruit is acid enough to dissolve these. The two that I would not be without are raspberry and blueberry. The latter adds a layer of depth, but is hard to grow (soil, netting, watering and cost). However raspberries are a different kettle of fish, The unique flavour is instantly noticeable in all wines and I cannot buy a commercial bottle of grape wine without thinking of what could have been!

By the way, don't forget to edge the boarder with parsley, as I am told it makes a cracking white.

[momol]

Hi Vicpivo,

Try mini kiwi( actinidia.sp) , they have both female and male flowers ( you need to plant only 1, plant 2 or more if you would like to have lots of fruit for wine making ). they produce small fruit with very thin peel, sweet and nice aroma too, they can be eaten fresh with out peeling or made into jam or even wine. They are hardy parennial that climb and don't need too much maintenance. We have planted Actinidia arguta Issai. Hope this help,

Momol

[vicpivo]

Thanks all - yet again you've all been a great help and provided me with more inspiration to fill my allotment!

Being a little adventurous, I quite like the sound of the mini Kiwi. I'm off work tomorrw so I'll have a drive around the local nursuries to see if they are stocked.

I'll then try the Parsley around the border.... you can't go wrong with two hardy perrenials!