The new soft fruit bed is going to be done in two stages now. There is an 18ft by 4ft bed that was completed a few weeks ago, it was actually partially don this time last year, being widened and extended just after Christmas. This is where I plan to put the raspberries and gooseberries. The area for the apple tree(s?) is as yet an unmade 15x4ft extension of this first bed.

Gooseberries and raspberries on order. However, a lot of research finally ending up at Ken Muier Trees where I have been advised to wait on the apples and do some extra preparation. The proposed Blenheim Orange is not the best for Espalier training they say, ‘partial tip bearing’ is not good. Wait till the end of October when they have a fruit sampling weekend, we can try and decide what alternative variety we might like, the lady said 'Pixi' would be her chice as an alternative,

We only live 15 miles from the nursery, something to look forward to. In the meantime I can dig out the concrete and stuff that is in the way, improve the soil, the digging out should be done within the next 14 days. I had thought of putting potatoes in to clean things up? Any other ideas, potato variety etc.????

CJS

CJS. I am a great fan of WILJA potato's, great at roasting, chipping, mashing and in there jackets.