How to Grow Raspberry Bushes in Containers

Drag the containers to the desired planting site before filling them with growing medium. An ideal spot for raspberries is one that receives full sunlight. Check the base of each pot for drainage holes, or drill them if necessary.

Spread a thin layer of gravel, rocks or broken pottery shards into each pot to assist drainage. Mix 1 part potting soil with 4 parts organic compost, and pour the mixture into the pots, leaving 2 inches of clear space at the top.

Insert a 4-foot trellis along the back of the container to support growing canes. Secure them with lengths of elastic cord to improve fruit bearing.

Dig a hole in the center of a pot that matches the size of its root ball. Scoop the growing medium with a trowel, and mound it along the sides of the hole. Tamp the base of the hole before lowering the raspberry plant into it. Backfill the soil around the plant, and pat it with your hand to remove trapped pockets of air. Repeat the process of planting the remaining raspberry plants in the remaining containers.

Water the newly planted raspberry plants, preferably with rain water, until the soil is evenly moist. Allow excess water to drain out through the base of the pot. Gauge the soil moisture level by sticking your finger 1 inch into the soil, and water the plant if it feels dry. Avoid overwatering raspberry plants or causing pools of water to form at the base.

Feed the raspberry plants a well-balanced 10-10-10 fertilizer once a month during spring and summer. Apply the fertilizer according to the directions on the label.

Prune damaged or dead raspberry canes during the growing season with sharp, sterilized pruning shears. During the winter, only prune graying canes that finished fruiting the previous season. Collect plant clippings from the base of the containers.