Growing raspberries in containers? MERGED

Anwen_2

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.

Anwen_2

(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 )

Linda32

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.

angie_loves_veg

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.

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

:dance:

Anwen_2

Hmm, maybe I'll try blueberries then... I do like blueberries and they are stupidly expensive. Thanks!

djtonyb

What would be the best way to do this?

tomterm8

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.

thelurch

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

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:

minot

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

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 is it safe to plant food crops in?

Thanks
Topaz