How to Grow Berries in Containers
When I was a kid I remember picking blackberries in the woods behind our house. Mom would wash them up, cover them in cream and sugar and I would have a favorite treat.
I also remember summer nights when strawberries were in season and Mom would slice them up and put them in a bowl of sugar in the fridge. After dinner she would pour them over shortcakes and add whipped cream and it was the best treat ever!
Have you ever wanted to grow your own berry patch but you’re worried you don’t have enough space to plant them? Don’t fret because you can still plant and grow plump berries even if you don’t have much yard space.
The key to growing berries in pots is you need to select the right container, variety, and location for optimal growth and yield. Today, we’ll be going through three types of berries you can easily plant and grow in containers. Let’s get started!
Blueberries
These juicy berries need a pot that’s at least 24 inches wide and 12 -18 inches deep and with excellent drainage.
Since blueberries love acidic soil, use a potting mix with a pH level of 5.0 to 5.5. You can also use a blend of potting soil, peat, and aged steer manure. Top your plants with two inches of pine bark or other kinds of acid mulch.
Don’t forget to put them in an area that receives full sun. If you live in an area that has extremely hot summers, you may need to make sure that your pots of blueberries receive some afternoon shade.
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Consistent watering is key if you want healthy blueberries. Don’t let the soil dry out and avoid overwatering.
While blueberries are generally self-fertile and will bear fruit even if there are no other blueberry plants nearby, you might want to keep a couple of pots as a companion to encourage good pollination and fruit set.
Raspberries
Raspberries can be grown in containers that are at least 24 inches wide and 12 – 18 inches deep. Choose a variety that grows small and compact shrubs like Fall Gold and Raspberry Shortcake.
Make sure to give your raspberry plants plenty of sun with afternoon shade if you’re in an area with harsh summers. Water them daily especially during the peak of summer. Avoid water logging these plants.
A time-release fertilizer applied in early spring and in midsummer can keep your raspberry plants healthy and well.
Strawberries
Strawberries lend themselves to container gardens. These shrubs can produce fruits in pots especially day neutrals and ever bearing varieties.
Strawberries need pots that are at least 18 inches wide and 8 inches deep. Plants should be spaced 10 inches apart. The crown should sit above the surface to avoid rotting.
These berries need 6 to 8 hours of full sun daily. If you live in an area with long periods of hot, dry weather, you may need to water them daily.
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They should be fed with a time-release balanced fertilizer when planting. It should be fed again with a water soluble fertilizer that’s high in phosphorus once big fruits start to appear.
Berries are a spring and summer staple. They make us think of summertime and enjoying warm summer evenings. But, just because you don’t have a large patch you can grow berries in doesn’t mean you can’t grow berries at all.
Follow the information above and grow your very own berry patch in containers on your front porch or deck.
Do you have a favorite berry? Have you tried growing berries in containers? Share your experiences with us in the comments below.
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