Raspberries and gooseberries

[MrsBertBibby]

I have an area with pretty decent sun, where I am thinking of growing fruit, esp raspberries and gooseberries.

Any suggestions for types, do some kinds need a partner plant or are they all self fertile? And when is the best time of year to plant?

Thanks!

They're hardy old things so plant any time unless the ground is frozen. All self vertile I think.

With rasps you need to decide SUMMER: need support, get all the fruit in a short time so good if you eg want jam. Fruits on 2nd year canes, or AUTUMN: don't have to be staked, fruit on 1st year canes, fruit over a longer period so less of a glut but more sustained. Then pick a variety or varieties that appeal!

Gooseberries are very prickly! so plant accordingly. There are only a few common varieties so choose whether you want an eater or a cooker (sour!). Cuttings take so so easily so you could scrounge a bit from someone?

Gooseberries don't especially need full sun so if you have any area that's less sunny and want to save room in your sunny spot you could also plant them there.

For summer raspberries, you can get early, mid and late season varieties, so if you have space you might want to plant some that fruit at different stages so you can have fruit from June almost until November if you also plant autumn ones.

Ashridge nurseries have 30 per cent off soft fruit today with the code FRUIT22 and they have lots of varieties. I've ordered plenty from there before and been pleased.
Annoyingly I just ordered 15 summer fruiting raspberries from another supplier yesterday!