What Fruit Can I Grow In My Fruit Cage, Garden Tunnel or Raised Bed?
Choosing what to grow in your fruit cage, garden tunnel or raised bed can be a difficult decision for any new or experienced gardener. There is a large variety of different fruits to choose from. As fruits come in all shapes, sizes and height, it is important that you are careful about what you select to grow and when. Whether you are looking for something to eat, develop or simply brighten up your garden, here are a few useful fruits that you can grow over the coming months.
Strawberries
Fresh strawberries from the garden are an easy to grow, tasty treat that will lighten up any outdoor area. They can be grown in a variety of different ways, including straight into the ground. Strawberries are packed with vitamins and fibre, while being fat free and excellent for lowering blood pressure - you can never eat too many strawberries! They are ideally grown in the peak of the summer as they love sunshine and well-drained soil, meaning you can enjoy strawberries and the weather at the same time. It is useful to plant your strawberries in rows to enhance their growth by improving their chances of rooting depth. Also, try to avoid planting them in windy areas to reduce the risks of garden pests.
Honeyberries
Honeyberries are a relatively new fruit to the UK and something slightly different for you to grow in your garden other than the traditional fruits that we are used to. They have a similar appearance to that of a blueberry, whilst also having a similar taste. Similar to other fruits like strawberries and raspberries, they can be used in jams. The berries have significant health benefits; they have 4x the amount of vitamin C as blueberries and twice the amount of vitamin A. Most soils are fine to grow the berries in, try to ensure that it is well drained and try to ensure that they get as much sun as possible…although this is not always possible in the UK!
Raspberries
Raspberries are an easy and cost-effective way of growing fruit in your garden. Raspberry bushes can continue to grow for up to 10 years, saving you plenty of money in the supermarket, especially if you are a raspberry lover. They are low in fat, high in vitamins and minerals and are packed with antioxidants. A benefit of raspberry flowers is that they are self-fertile and get pollinated by insects, so they are relatively low maintenance. All you have to do is to try and plant them in moisturized and slightly acidic soil while trying to get as much sun on them as possible, then you will have a tasty crop each summer.
Gooseberries
Gooseberries are a delicious and versatile fruit that can be used for many different sauces, cakes, crumbles or simply eating straight from the bush. They are perfect if you are keen to enhance and expand your gardening and cooking skills. They are low maintenance, making them perfect if you do not have a lot of time to commit to your gardening. Similar to the other fruits, gooseberries are low in calories and fibre while it is proven that eating gooseberries are good for your heart. Try to spread the area with organic matter, such as strulch. This will retain the moisture around your soil and improve its quality. It is important to space the gooseberries well while ensuring that they are watered regularly and receive as much sun as possible. Birds love these berries, so it’s important that they have suitable protection, such as bird netting.
Blackcurrants and Redcurrants
Similar to gooseberries, currants are perfect if you are looking to expand and enhance your growing and cooking needs. They are a delicious fruit that can be used perfectly as decoration on cakes or desserts, making jam or even adding to sauces for savory dishes. Another benefit of currants is that they can be put frozen, so you can enjoy them all over winter despite growing them a few months prior. Try to ensure that your soil is well moisturized and fertilized before you begin planting. Planting can begin in March-April time to ensure you get the best crop come the summer months. Currants can help strengthen your immune system and they have even been proven to ease flu like symptoms.