BySam Botes

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5 Best Berry Planters for Small Spaces


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If you love berries as much as I do, you HAVE to grow your own!

They are great for snacks, smoothies, desserts, sauces and so much more. And if you have too many, just freeze them.

The great thing is that you can grow berries in a small area and just maximize the space you’ve got.

Whether you have a small balcony, patio, or even a windowsill, the right berry planter will help you enjoy fresh, home-grown berries without needing a garden.

Let’s take a look at the best berry planters for small spaces, and maybe you’ll find something that suits what you’re looking for.


Why Grow Berries in Small Spaces?


Berries are not only delicious and packed with nutrients, but they also offer an attractive and functional way to make the most of your limited gardening space.

With the right planter, you can grow endless amounts of strawberries, blueberries, raspberries, gooseberries – you name it. 

The great thing about growing berries in containers is that you have better control over soil quality, watering, and the amount of sunlight your plants receive.

Strawberry Towers

These are pretty awesome because they can go indoors in a corner, or you can stick it outdoors on a balcony or deck.

Strawberry towers are vertical planters that allow you to grow multiple plants in a small footprint. These towers often consist of stacked layers or pockets where each plant has its own space. 

Best berries for strawberry towers

Strawberries: As the name suggests, strawberry towers are ideal for growing strawberries. Their vertical structure supports multiple plants, allowing you to maximize yield in a small footprint.

Varieties like ‘Albion’ or ‘Seascape’ are great options for this type of planter, as they produce  so many strawberries, and are well-suited to container growing.

Benefits

  • Maximizes vertical space
  • Easy to harvest
  • Ideal for strawberries and other small berry plants

Hanging Baskets

Hanging baskets are another excellent option for small spaces.

They are perfect for trailing berries like strawberries, which can cascade over the sides and provide a beautiful display with pops of red when they ripen.

Hanging baskets also keep your berries off the ground, which keeps the slugs and snails away, and it reduces the risk of pests and diseases.

Best berries for hanging baskets

  • Strawberries: Specifically, everbearing or day-neutral varieties like ‘Tristar’ or ‘Mara des Bois’ are perfect for hanging baskets. They produce fruit throughout the growing season and their trailing nature makes them ideal for this setup.
  • Trailing Blueberries: Certain dwarf blueberry varieties like ‘Top Hat’ or ‘Jelly Bean’ can also be grown in hanging baskets. These compact plants can cascade slightly and are perfect for small spaces.

Benefits

  • Saves ground space
  • Easy to move and reposition
  • Decorative and functional

Berry Bush Containers

For those looking to grow blueberries, raspberries, or other bushy berries, containers designed for larger plants are a must.

These containers provide enough depth and width to support the root systems of berry bushes, ensuring they thrive in a confined space.

And don’t forget to grow some companions with them too.

Best berries for berry bush containers

    • Raspberries: Dwarf raspberry varieties like ‘Raspberry Shortcake’ are perfect for container growing. They are thornless, compact, and produce sweet, juicy berries.
    • Blueberries: Look for dwarf or compact varieties such as ‘Sunshine Blue’, ‘Patriot’, or ‘Blueberry Glaze’. These varieties are well-suited for container growth and produce abundant fruit.
    • Blackberries: Similarly, ‘Baby Cakes’ is a dwarf blackberry variety that thrives in containers. It has a compact growth habit and produces fruit in mid-summer, with potential for a second crop in early fall.

Benefits

  • Provides sufficient room for root growth
  • Can be moved to optimize sunlight exposure
  • Great for patios and decks

Tiered Raised Beds

Tiered raised beds are a hybrid between traditional garden beds and planter boxes. They allow you to grow different types of berries in a compact, tiered structure.

These beds are perfect for gardeners who want to grow multiple berry varieties in a single space.

Best berries for tiered raised beds

  • Raspberries and Blackberries: These beds are also suitable for smaller varieties of raspberries and blackberries, especially if you want to mix different types of berries in one bed.
  • Strawberries: Tiered raised beds are perfect for growing different varieties of strawberries in one space. You can plant June-bearing varieties like ‘Chandler’ on the lower tiers and everbearing varieties like ‘Ozark Beauty’ on the upper tiers.

Benefits

  • Maximizes planting area
  • Suitable for multiple berry types
  • Easy to maintain and harvest

Window Boxes

For the smallest spaces, window boxes are an excellent choice.

These planters attach directly to windowsills, allowing you to grow berries in even the tightest spots.

They are ideal for growing strawberries or any small variety.

Best berries for window boxes

    • Dwarf Blueberries: Compact varieties such as ‘Peach Sorbet’ or ‘Jelly Bean’ can be grown in larger window boxes, adding both beauty and functionality to your windowsill.
    • Strawberries: Smaller strawberry varieties, particularly alpine strawberries like ‘Mignonette’ or ‘White Soul’, are ideal for window boxes. They are compact and produce smaller but intensely flavored berries.

Benefits

  • Fits on windowsills or narrow ledges
  • Adds curb appeal to your home
  • Easy to water and maintain

Choosing the Right Planter for Your Space

When selecting a berry planter for your small space, consider the following factors:

  • Size and Dimensions: Ensure the planter fits comfortably in your designated area without overcrowding.
  • Material: Choose durable materials like plastic, metal, or fabric that can withstand outdoor conditions if that’s where it’s going.
  • Watering Needs: Consider planters with built-in watering systems to reduce maintenance.
  • Mobility: If your space requires frequent rearrangement, or you need to track the sun, opt for lightweight or wheeled planters.

Tips for Growing Berries in Small Spaces

  1. Sunlight: Most berries require at least 6-8 hours of sunlight per day. Place your planter in a spot that receives adequate light.
  2. Soil Quality: Use a well-draining, nutrient-rich soil mix tailored to the specific type of berry you are growing ie. check the pH level for your particular plant
  3. Watering: Berries in containers may need more frequent watering than those in the ground. Keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged.
  4. Fertilizing: Use an organic fertilizer designed for berries to support healthy growth and fruit production.

Conclusion

Growing berries in small spaces is not only possible but can be highly rewarding with the right planter.

Whether you opt for a vertical strawberry tower, a classic hanging basket, or a deep container for bushier varieties, there’s a perfect solution for every space.

Choose a planter that fits your space, style, and berry-growing goals, and you and your family will enjoy fresh, home-grown berries all season long.

By selecting the best berry planter for your small space, you’re one step closer to enjoying the fruits of your labor, even in the smallest of areas.