Not everyone who dreams of picking fresh fruit from their own garden has a massive backyard to work with. While a big plot of land is great, it’s definitely not a requirement for a delicious harvest! The good news is that berry bushes are actually super easy to grow right on your balcony or patio.
The Best Berries for Container Gardening
When you think of growing berries, you might picture endless rows of bushes or long berry hedges. But you can absolutely grow individual bushes in pots. Here are some of the best varieties for container life:
- Raspberries
- Blackberries
- Highbush Blueberries
- Currants
- Strawberries
- Gooseberries
- Goji Berries
Keep in mind that some of these guys are climbers and will need a trellis or support to stay happy—raspberries and blackberries are the main culprits there. Others, like currants or gooseberries, can be kept compact and productive with just a little regular pruning.
Tips for Successful Pot Culture
The most important thing to get right is the size of your pot. You’ll want to look for a container that is wider rather than deeper, since most berries are shallow-rooted. Also, make sure your pot has plenty of drainage holes. Berries hate “wet feet” (standing water), so good drainage is a must. Adding a layer of gravel or clay pebbles at the bottom can give you some extra insurance against root rot.
The right soil makes a huge difference, too. Go for a loose, nutrient-rich potting mix that drains well. As for location? Your berries will be happiest in a sunny spot that’s tucked away from harsh winds.
Care and Overwintering Your Berries
Growing berries in pots does require a little more “TLC” than growing them in the ground. Since they can’t send roots deep into the earth to find water, you’ll need to water them more frequently. They also need a steady supply of nutrients to keep them growing strong and producing fruit. I recommend using some well-aged compost or a liquid berry fertilizer, which you can easily mix right into your watering can.
Winter care is another thing to keep an eye on. While berry bushes in the ground are usually pretty hardy, potted plants are more vulnerable to the cold. To keep them safe, move your pots onto an insulating base (like wood or Styrofoam) and tuck them against a protected house wall. It’s also a smart move to wrap the pots in bubble wrap or garden fleece and cover the soil with a bit of mulch or brushwood to keep the roots cozy until spring.
