[666]

After eating the odd berry from next door's garden over the past 4 weeks I am going to buy some for myself.  I have a few questions for those who know more than me.

How many canes should I buy?  (they come in 6 or 12 canes in the T&M-so is this about right?)

If I buy canes when will we get the first harvest from them?

What are the advantages of summer or autumn fruiting, I'm not too bothered when they harvest either is fine, but is 1 best?

Any variety that you would recommend?

and finally, where is the cheapest place to purchase them?

Sorry for all the questions (I really need a fruit version of 'the vegetable and herb expert')

[gobs]

You do not need many canes if you are patient, as they will multiply and spread, so you can with time increase your stock.
So, if you like them, could rather buy some summer and some autumn ones, so you have them for a longer period. Only advantage to autumn ones I can see is that the fruit swells nicely as the weather is more rainy, without any help.
My autumn one is Joan, which is very good, but others might be just as good. The yellow one I've got Autumn Gold is not too good, fruit spoils in damp weather.

For price, T&M is not the best place, but I'm not good at that, someone out there will know where are the best deals to be had.

[richyrich7]

Try your local nursery they are usually the cheapest, look to split the varieties you have , spring/summer  summer/autumn fruiting to give yourself a steady supply.

Grow in weed free ground, well manured with 4' post either end tension wire between the posts at 15" intervals. When the tops reach the last wire bend over and tie into the top wire.

Be careful when weeding they have shallow roots, water well and mulch.

Enjoy  

[gobs]

I just remembered where I bought fruit trees from and they were very good, so checked. 10 rasberries for £10, seems a good rate to me.

check it out:keepers
Also, a lot of useful info on their site and very good customer care, honest.    

[666]

Thank you for your replies so far.  

Gobs the site you posted is great and the cheapest I have seen by far, the variety you've grow are sold out though!

Richyrich: 'When the tops reach the last wire bend over and tie into the top wire' does this mean that that plant then continues to grow along the wire?  I have real trouble visulising things that are written down.

[gobs]

that's because it's good.  

But seriously a lot of good gardeners here swear by autumn bliss, so go for that one.

 

[richyrich7]

Richyrich: 'When the tops reach the last wire bend over and tie into the top wire' does this mean that that plant then continues to grow along the wire?  I have real trouble visulising things that are written down.

Yes or you can grow them as a loop type of thing main thing is to tie them in so they don't snap in high winds.

Hope this helps  a little not good with paint

[Salkeela]

I just remembered where I bought fruit trees from and they were very good, so checked. 10 rasberries for £10, seems a good rate to me.

check it out:keepers
Also, a lot of useful info on their site and very good customer care, honest.    

That looks a great site... have book marked it.  I fancy a few nut trees!

[gobs]

Hope this helps  a little not good with paint

oh Rich , that's three walking sticks,aren't they?    

[richyrich7]

Well I did say I ain't good with paint.  

[gobs]

Yes, you did say that.  :roll: