Can Raspberries Be Grown in Containers?

Container

• A container big enough to support a single raspberry plant is about 15 to 18 inches wide. Five-gallon, plastic buckets work well for raspberries, but other materials, including wood, metal or ceramic, are fine. Adequate drainage is necessary for plant health. If there are no holes, or not enough holes, in the container, drill more to provide good drainage of water through the potting soil. A wood dowel or bamboo pole in the center of the pot provides support for the growing plant.

Soil

• Soil from the garden may work if it is sandy or loamy, but soil with too much clay leads to problems with water absorption and drainage later on. For good drainage and air movement, add compost to the soil. Tall raspberry plants tend to become top-heavy in containers, so if you're using a lightweight container, add some heavier loam-based potting mix. An ideal mix is 80 percent compost and 20 percent loamy soil or loam-based potting mix.

Fertilizer

• In containers, the amount of nutrients available to raspberry plants is limited because of the smaller soil volume. Apply a liquid or water-soluble fertilizer every three to four weeks. Use an all-purpose fertilizer such as 15-16-17, or alternate between this and a high-potassium fertilizer such as 5-11-26. Apply fertilizer in moderation, not exceeding the package recommendations. Too much fertilizer burns plants, and potted plants are more susceptible to over-fertilization than those in the ground due to the smaller dispersion area.

Water

• Raspberries need to stay moist, but not soggy. Containers tend to dry out quickly, so monitor them and water frequently. If water doesn't drain through the pot well, root rot may develop. The container can be placed directly on porous soil or grass, but if it is on a dense surface such as concrete or brick, lift it a few inches off the ground on blocks of wood or brick to allow better drainage.