Should I grow blackberries in containers or ground?

Published: November 29, 2025
Updated: November 29, 2025

Whether you should plant in containers or in the ground really depends on your garden situation. There are many pros and cons to both! Container growing is ideal for a small patio or poor native soil, while ground planting yields larger crops and requires less frequent watering.

Container Gardening

  • Use 24-inch diameter pots with drainage holes
  • Require daily watering during summer months
  • Ideal for balconies and areas with poor soil quality

Ground Planting

  • Needs 5-8 feet spacing between plants
  • Thrive in deep well-drained garden beds
  • Produce higher yields over longer lifespans

Special Considerations

  • Containers need winter protection in cold zones
  • Ground plants require permanent trellis systems
  • Soil testing essential before ground planting
Performance Comparison: Container vs. Ground
FactorYield PotentialContainer
2-4 lbs per plant
Ground
8-12 lbs per plant
FactorWater FrequencyContainer
Daily in summer
Ground
2-3 times weekly
FactorPlant LifespanContainer
4-6 years
Ground
12-15 years
Based on optimal care conditions

Use container planting schemes if you have limited outdoor space or poor soil. As a general rule, choose dwarf varieties, such as Baby Cakes, for the best results. Use premium potting mix and moisture-retaining compost. Containers also let you move the plants around the garden as the sun moves in relation to the seasons.

Choose the ground planting method if your aim is a high yield of berries. You will need amended compost soil before planting, and plant trailing varieties using a solid trellis system. Ground planting will require less watering and yield a larger root system.

Hybrid approaches can be effective for challenging sites. If the native ground is poor, you can build raised beds and fill them with high-quality soil to reap the benefits of planting in containers, while also enjoying the advantages of planting in the ground. Add an irrigation system, then, in any case, there is no fear of dry periods.

If you want to grow berries sustainably, consider making ground plantings your first choice, unless you have space constraints. Container plants need to be replaced every few years. If you provide proper care according to each method, both will produce delicious berries.

Read the full article: How to Grow Blackberries Successfully at Home

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