[kermit]

I've got some rasp, blackberry, blackcurrant and redcurrant canes on order - due any week now.  Whats the best way to prep the ground?

Planning on planting along long stretch of fence, which is currently just garden grass right up to it.  Clay soil with lots of rock - can hardly get a spade 2 inches in.  Im thinking turn the turf and add a few inches of decent top soil mixed with compost 

Thx!

[Paul Plots]

I think you'll find that raspberries are not deep rooted and need a good amount of well rotted organic material in the top soil to help them retain moisture in the dry days of summer. Also they are fairly heavy feeders. I dress mine with pellet chicken manure each spring and carefully weed and fork around them.

Not sure about the other fruit bushes, though.

[peterjf]

as with any fruit bushes , dig a large enough hole , mix in a little bone meal, then plant, water in , then sit back

[Paul Plots]

as with any fruit bushes , dig a large enough hole , mix in a little bone meal, then plant, water in , then sit back

It's the sitting back that I'd find difficult.... I must cultivate relaxing next year!