Can Raspberry Plants Be Grown in Barrels?

Container Size

• The larger the container, the better. Barrels that hold a larger amount of soil volume make better growing environments for plants. The more soil in the barrel, the more room for root growth and use of water and nutrients. Larger soil amounts do not dry out or heat up as quickly compared to smaller containers with less soil. Raspberries develop a broad, shallow root system in the top 10 inches of soil. Therefore, a wider, lower barrel is better than a tall, deep one. The barrel must have at least one drainage hole in the bottom to prevent soggy soil, which will rot the raspberry roots.

Soil Considerations

• For the best growth and vitality of a raspberry planted in a barrel, make the effort to use the best soil. Do not use topsoil, as it contains pathogens, microorganisms and worms. Topsoil also tends to harden quickly after a few cycles of wet-to-dry. Instead, use a potting mix that is a blend of peat, sand and organic matter. The potting mix's pH needs to be acidic, in the range of 5.8 to 6.5. You may add compost and slow-release fertilizer granules to the potting mix to create a fertile crumbly soil in the barrel.

Growing Conditions

• Containers tend to warm up faster and cool down more so than the ground. Air temperatures and exposure to sunlight affects how warm the soil and plant roots become in the barrel. Raspberries need six to eight hours of direct sun a day to make ample food in their leaves and produce flowers. However, shading the barrel or covering the soil in the barrel with mulch can moderate the fluctuations in soil temperatures. Warmer soil in summer needs more frequent watering, while in winter the soil gets as cold as the air. Both conditions can affect the health of the root system.

Tips

• Numerous diseases can afflict raspberries, so always use sterile, clean soil and compost. Avoid siting the raspberry barrel within 300 feet of a wild patch of raspberry or blackberry shrubs, so that no pests or diseases move from the wild plants to your container-grown plant. Raspberries respond better when planted when dormant in early spring rather than in autumn. Also, only plant one raspberry in the barrel. Too many plants in a container leads to competition for sunlight and soil resources, ultimately diminishing vigor and fruit production.