We’d like to remind Forumites to please avoid political debate on the Forum.

This is to keep it a safe and useful space for MoneySaving discussions. Threads that are – or become – political in nature may be removed in line with the Forum’s rules. Thank you for your understanding.

📨 Have you signed up to the Forum's new Email Digest yet? Get a selection of trending threads sent straight to your inbox daily, weekly or monthly!

Growing raspberries in containers? MERGED

Hi, does anyone have any advice about growing raspberries in containers? I have a balcony which is walled on three sides (it's sort of set in an alcove in the building) and has a half-height wall on the final side, with anti-pigeon netting over the open part, fairly sunny direction wise, if I put things on either the window sill or the top of the half wall.
DFW stats:
Currently under review


Proud to be dealing with my debts
«1345

Comments

  • Anwen_2
    Anwen_2 Posts: 234 Forumite
    (just to let people know that a sleepy mod moved this here by accident instead of to the greenfingered moneysavers board, hopefully it will be moved there soon :) )
    DFW stats:
    Currently under review


    Proud to be dealing with my debts
  • Linda32
    Linda32 Posts: 4,385 Forumite
    Part of the Furniture 1,000 Posts Combo Breaker
    Well I surpose you could put one cane in a pot at tye it to a support.

    You'ed need a fairly big pot as the roots need to spread out. Unless you really like rasberries, I think I'd look at the traditional bush plants. Or Strawberries.
  • I planted 3 'all gold' raspberries in a half barrel (the other one has asparagus in) and they gave a great crop this year.

    The problem, as said before, is that they need a large root run, and there is no doubt that my half barrel (plus soil and water) is very heavy, and therefore not so good for a balcony.

    :p have you considered blueberries? they love pots (they need ericacious soil) and give a huge crop for a fairly small plant.

    :dance:
  • Anwen_2
    Anwen_2 Posts: 234 Forumite
    Hmm, maybe I'll try blueberries then... I do like blueberries and they are stupidly expensive. Thanks!
    DFW stats:
    Currently under review


    Proud to be dealing with my debts
  • djtonyb
    djtonyb Posts: 629 Forumite
    Part of the Furniture Combo Breaker
    What would be the best way to do this?
    Fat and proud lol
  • tomterm8
    tomterm8 Posts: 5,892 Forumite
    Part of the Furniture Combo Breaker
    djtonyb wrote: »
    What would be the best way to do this?

    Yes, it is. Use a large pot (18" deep should be OK, larger if you can afford it and lift it:) ), make sure they are well watered, use normal potting compost and support the raspberry with some canes.
    “The ideas of debtor and creditor as to what constitutes a good time never coincide.”
    ― P.G. Wodehouse, Love Among the Chickens
  • much much better to grow in the ground, as they like to spread out, and will quickly become rootbound in the pot.

    The main issue would be ensuring the pots are kept wet in hot weather, this would be the hardest part.
  • djtonyb
    djtonyb Posts: 629 Forumite
    Part of the Furniture Combo Breaker
    I'd prefer pots cos my tiny bit of garden is really tiny and the only bit of ground for DD to play on - tubs can be moved :rolleyes:
    Fat and proud lol
  • minot
    minot Posts: 13 Forumite
    I haven't grown any myself but a friend grew some in pots this year and they seemed fine, and tasted v yummy!
  • TOPAZ_2
    TOPAZ_2 Posts: 65 Forumite
    Hi there

    I need a bit of advice - I have some raspberry canes to plant (Autumn fruiting Polka) and I also have an old Water Tank outside in a sheltered position. Its quite old and a bit flaky on the inside - I think there may be a bit or rust.

    This is my plan
    1)drill some holes in the bottom - sit it on some bricks - so the water drains out of it at the bottom
    2)fill the bottom with broken terracotta pots (currently disintegrating in the garden - would mean I wouldnt have to throw them away)
    3) fill with a mixture of Home made compost and some grow bags & contents of old pots - might add some sand for drainage
    4) plant canes

    I was a little worried about the rust :confused: is it safe to plant food crops in?

    Thanks
    Topaz
This discussion has been closed.
Meet your Ambassadors

🚀 Getting Started

Hi new member!

Our Getting Started Guide will help you get the most out of the Forum

Categories

  • All Categories
  • 352.1K Banking & Borrowing
  • 253.5K Reduce Debt & Boost Income
  • 454.2K Spending & Discounts
  • 245.1K Work, Benefits & Business
  • 600.7K Mortgages, Homes & Bills
  • 177.4K Life & Family
  • 258.9K Travel & Transport
  • 1.5M Hobbies & Leisure
  • 16.2K Discuss & Feedback
  • 37.6K Read-Only Boards

Is this how you want to be seen?

We see you are using a default avatar. It takes only a few seconds to pick a picture.