Tell me about growing raspberries and strawberries

[MaggieW]

I haven't grown them before and would like to in my new allotment. When should they be planted and where's the best place to get them from?

Also, do they need any special care or attention?

get them from fruit specialists like KEn Muir - they have the best varieties and if you go on their website they will give you all the advice you need

Raspberries I find are really easy - pop them in, hack them down once a year, pick them and eat them. Only challenge is getting them before the birds. Happy in semi-shade.

Strawberries are a bit more challenging; not just birds but slugs too, and tend to bid for world domination every year by sending out runners. Theoretically they need replacing every 3 years too.