Grow soft fruit

IT is a real joy being able to eat homegrown soft fruits straight off the plant in summer.

Pots of strawberries

Although they have been fruiting since May, the everbearing strawberry variety Fraisibelle actually has its strongest harvest in September. The aromatic fruits have a wild strawberry flavour which is a real treat. Buy pot-grown plants now and find them a sunny, sheltered spot with well-nourished soil.

Berry baskets

RECYCLE any plastic cartons that have a handle by cutting off the bottom and turning them into scoops for fertiliser or compost. The arctic bramble Arom’arctic can be grown in hanging baskets where its stunning pink-violet flowers are shown off to best effect.

The plant does not produce much fruit but the berries have an intense fragrance. It is not self-fertile – you need to grow the variety Systar in the same pot.

The plants, which grow 5-25cm tall, also make good groundcover.

You will need three to four plants per square metre for a good effect.

Cute currants

All currant bushes make great garden plants so why not add them to your flowerbeds?

The blooms are spectacular and you can buy plants in bud, ready to reveal their tiny flowers, which are followed by black, red or white fruits.

It is not necessary to pick