How to Grow Berries in Containers
Today we’ll be discussing how you can grow berries in containers. Berries are so nutritious and can be prepared in many ways or eaten right off the plant. Growing berries in containers, such as growing raspberries in pots, is always nice because they can be moved, we can avoid soil that isn’t ideal, and we can regulate their water uptake better.
When I was a kid I remember picking blackberries off the vine in the woods behind our house. Mom would wash them up, cover them in cream and sugar and I would have a homegrown favorite treat. I remember also looking for blueberry bushes, too, but never found them.
I can 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!
Adding berries to your garden is a great way to improve your health since they have significant health benefits, such as providing you with vitamin C.
Have you ever wanted to grow your own berry patch and produce berries but were 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 or have limited space.
The key to growing sweet berries in pots is you need to select the right container, variety, and location for optimal new 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!
Supplies You May Need For Growing Berries
- Large pot
- Peat moss
- Large container
- Pine needles
- Plastic pots
- A hanging basket
- Five-gallon container
Blueberries
These juicy berries and acid-loving plants need a pot that’s at least 24 inches wide and 12 -18 inches deep, and with excellent drainage, you can provide that by adding drainage holes.
Since blueberries love acidic soil, use a potting mix with a soil pH level of 5.0 to 5.5. You can also use a blend of potting soil, peat, and aged steer manure. Top your growing blueberries with organic matter and a layer of mulch such as two inches of pine bark or other kinds of acid mulch.
Don’t forget to put your soon to be delicious berries 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.
You might also like: How To Grow Strawberries & Other Berries
Consistent watering is key if you want healthy blueberries with sweet flavor. Don’t let the soil dry out and avoid giving them too much water. Having good drainage can help maintain a good soil moisture that will allow your plants to flourish.
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. The best bet would be to 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. So that you can have a good harvest.
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.
Strawberries are some of the best berries to grow and need 6 to 8 hours of full sun daily. If you live in an areas with hot climates and 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 your own berries in doesn’t mean you can’t grow berries at all.
Follow the information above and grow your very own berry patch in berry 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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