[1jim]

Hi
Just planning my allotment, I am going to have fruit canes and saw that they need some support, I think it was on gardenrs world they had two posts and wire strung between them, is this the best way. Am thinkingof rasberrys/blackberrys etc. If this is right could you tell me what size timber posts would be best (2x2, 3x3 etc) and how tall they are best at, and what spacing you would have between posts...and also what gaps between wire you would have...and whilst youe are thinking about answering all these silly questions would you mind coming across and building it for me as well

[Trillium]

The method you mention isn't the only way, but it's certainly a good way to contain those sharp canes. 2x2's are simply not strong enough for this method. You're better off to go to 4x4's as there'll be quite a bit of tension against the posts from the wire and weight of fruit and canes. Pictures don't show it but it's best to slightly angle the top of the post outward. This forces the base to dig in further in times of excess stress.

Check this article - go down to T Bar support:

http://www.finegardening.com/plants/articles/reliable-raspberries.aspx

And no, I won't come and do it for you 

[noshed]

You need to look in skips for old bits of metal - they are good for that type of thing if you drive them in the ground as far as poss. I've got old gas pipe holding up my loganberries.