Grow berries in pots and control the conditions | Gardening Australia

Josh shows how growing berries in pots can yield healthy and delicious results. Subscribe: http://ab.co/GA-subscribe Protecting Strawberries Strawberries are perfect for pots because they’re shallow rooted, compact, and like rich soil. Josh plants Strawberry ‘Temptation’ as it produces loads of medium size, sweet fruit. Self-watering pots allow for some water to be held at the base of the pot and be pulled up by roots via capillary action. Josh plants strawberries into these using premium potting mix and pelletised chicken manure as strawberries are very hungry plants. Seedlings should be placed about 30cm apart with their roots very gently teased apart before planting. Finish off with a straw mulch to keep moisture in and keep the fruit off the soil. Strawberries are prone to mildew and are loved by slaters, slugs, and snails, so having them in pots allows you to place them up off the ground where they will get plenty of sun and air flow, and be out of harm’s way. Controlling Blueberries Blueberries are well suited to pots but do need a large one. They are fussy about soil pH, so it’s best to use a potting mix designed for azaleas, which are also acid loving plants. Josh adds a little extra fertiliser every 3 months. Place blueberries in a sunny spot with some protection from afternoon sun in warmer months. Pots allow you to take control of the specific soil and sun needs of the blueberry to ensure you get the best crop. Containing Blackberries Blackberries regularly throw out runners, so if you leave them be, they will quickly spread and grow everywhere. Pulling out and potting the runners can create whole new plants. They need a large pot and something to climb on. Josh uses a 32-litre plastic pot with a tall piece of weld mesh that the plants will be tied to as they grow. He also adds pelletised chicken manure to a premium potting mix. They need full sun and plenty of water, so add mulch on top and keep the water up. Featured Plants Strawberry ‘Temptation’ Fragaria x ananassa cv. Blueberry Vaccinium cv. Thornless Blackberry Rubus cv. Josh Byrne Filmed on Whadjuk Country See the latest content from Gardening Australia as it goes live by hitting subscribe: http://ab.co/GA-subscribe Watch Gardening Australia on ABC iview: http://iview.abc.net.au/programs/gard... About Gardening Australia: Gardening Australia is an ABC TV program providing gardening know-how and inspiration. Presented by Australia's leading horticultural experts, Gardening Australia is a valuable resource to all gardeners through the television program, the magazine, books, DVDs and extensive online content. Connect with other Gardening Australia fans: Like Gardening Australia on Facebook:   / gardeningaustralia   Follow Gardening Australia on Instagram:   / gardeningaustralia   Visit the Gardening Australia website: http://www.abc.net.au/gardening This is an official Australian Broadcasting Corporation YouTube channel. ******** Contributions may be removed if they violate ABC's Online Conditions of Use http://www.abc.net.au/conditions.htm (Section 3).