How to Plant Raspberries in Containers

Raspberries are vining plants that grow in a similar way as hardy blackberries, with several additional complications. Raspberries produce both fruit and foliage that is sensitive to pests, disease and temperature, and require special treatment throughout their lifespans. Raspberries grow in red, purple, black and yellow varieties, and do best in areas that have cool to moderate summers and long, chilly winters. To grow raspberries successfully plant them in wide, heavy pots to move them as the weather requires.

Growing trays
Quick-draining soil
Organic compost
Mulch
Fertilizer
Trellis

Instructions

- 1
  Plant raspberries in early spring, when the frost is off the ground, to give them a summer of growing. Use wide growing trays that spread at least 12 inches by 5 inches, and are 14 inches deep. Make sure that the trays are heavy, and have drainage holes.
- 2
  To give raspberries a foundation that drains quickly but retains plenty of moisture for the plants, fill the growing trays with a combination of half quick-draining soil and half organic compost. Leave 2 inches between the soil level and the lip of the tray.
- 3
  Plant one raspberry cane per tray to give the plants room for growth. Plant each cane 8 to 10 inches deep, covering the roots with amended soil. Fill the trays full of water and allow it to soak in and water the roots.
- 4
  Spread 2 inches of mulch over the raspberries' soil to maintain warmth and moisture, and put them on a schedule of 2 inches of water a week. Put the raspberries in areas that get six to eight hours of sun every day. If temperatures rise over 80 degrees F, move the plants to areas that get partial shade, to keep them cooler.

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