[adri123]

Hi

Just taken delivery of 5 canes of Joan J Autumn fruiting raspberries.

They're going to go into the PT but I can't decide whether to put them into one of the raised beds or find a very large container.  I seem to remember that rasps have a tendency to spread and take over and I don't want that to happen in the raised beds in the PT.

If they went into a half barrel sized container would they crop OK?

Adri

[sunshineband]

I just wonder why you are planting them in your PT, as they are very hardy indeed?

[DD.]

That and the pollination issue.

[3759allen]

i'm also guessing the heat maybe too much for them. and you would have to keep an eye on them as it wouldn't be ideal for them to touch the polythene.

if you grow in containers you may be able to move them into the tunnel to prolong the season, but the pollination issue may come into the it, only a theory so can't say it would actually work.

[DD.]

Bear in mind that the prime growing area for UK raspberries is the cooler climes of Scotland.

[adri123]

hmmm.  can't decide which way to go..

here's a link that suggests 25-30% increased crop in tunnels.

http://www.haygrove.co.uk/polytunnels/case-studies/raspberries/

[DD.]

I would lend more credence to an independent study, rather than one from a company that's trying to sell you the polytunnel.

[adri123]

good point DD.  I've decided to make up a new bed outside the PT and pop them in there.  didn't really want to do any more 'dev' work this season but if needs must...

Adri

[sunshineband]

That sounds a very good idea 

[3759allen]

i would say there are more plants that would benefit from the heat of a tunnel. say tomatoes, cucumbers, peppers, etc which would benefit more from the heat.

the stats are from a commercial producer which is looking for maximum production of the greatest period of time to maximise profit. i'm guessing they are only producing fruit and probably soft at that, it's worth the investment of tunnels to produce the highest yield in weight per acre.

i dare say that raspberries that take longer to grow and not forced would prob taste better too.