Growing soft fruit in the UK does not require an allotment or a sprawling country estate. In fact, many soft fruits thrive within the confines of a container, making them perfect for urban balconies, compact courtyards, and patio gardens. Container gardening offers a distinct advantage in the British climate: you can move plants to chase the sun, protect them from late frosts, and, most importantly, control the soil conditions perfectly.

Here is a guide to cultivating delicious soft fruit in pots, factoring in our unique weather patterns and landscape styles.

Strawberries

Strawberries are the quintessential British summer fruit and arguably the easiest to grow in containers. Because they have relatively shallow roots, they do not require massive depth, but they do enjoy good drainage and plenty of sunshine.

How to grow: Plant runners in early spring or early autumn. Use a general-purpose compost with a little added grit. Ensure the crown of the plant sits just above the soil surface to prevent rotting. Keep the compost moist but not waterlogged, especially during hot spells in July and August.

Timing:

• Flowers: April to May (watch out for late frosts).
• Fruit: June to July (Summer fruiting) or intermittently until October (Perpetual varieties).

Blueberries

Blueberries are often difficult to grow in the ground in the UK because they strictly require acidic soil. If your garden soil is alkaline (chalky), pots are the solution. You can fill a container specifically with ericaceous compost, guaranteeing success.

These plants are also highly ornamental, offering delicate white flowers in spring and fiery red foliage in autumn. To complement this year-round display, consider housing them in our 30 to 60cm zinc square planters. Whether you choose matte black, matte grey, white, matte copper, or gloss black, these containers offer a sleek, modern aesthetic that contrasts beautifully with the blueberry's foliage, making for a stunning patio feature.

How to grow: Plant two different varieties to ensure cross-pollination and a heavier crop. Water strictly with rainwater collected from a butt, as tap water is often too hard and will reduce the soil acidity over time.

Timing:

• Flowers: April to May.
• Fruit: July to August.

Raspberries

While wild raspberries sprawl across British hedgerows, garden varieties can be tamed for containers. 'Glen Ample' or dwarf varieties like 'Ruby Beauty' are excellent choices. Because canes can become top-heavy, especially when laden with fruit or caught in a blustery wind, a stable, heavy-bottomed container is essential.

For stability and a classic look, our up to 60cm wood square planters are ideal. Available in natural wood, black, or grey, they provide the necessary depth for the roots and sit solidly on the patio, blending seamlessly with both traditional cottage gardens and contemporary deck spaces.

How to grow: Plant canes during the dormant season (November to March). Use a loam-based compost like John Innes No. 3 mixed with general-purpose compost. Summer-fruiting raspberries fruit on last year's growth, while autumn-fruiting varieties fruit on the current year's growth, making pruning simpler for the latter.

Timing:

• Flowers: May to June.
• Fruit: June to July (Summer types) or August until the first frosts (Autumn types).

Currants and Gooseberries

Redcurrants, blackcurrants, and gooseberries are incredibly productive and hardy, tolerating the cooler British summers well. However, they are hungry plants with larger root systems that demand volume to retain moisture.

To accommodate these larger root balls and create a rustic focal point, our 65cm to 90cm diameter rustic whisky barrels are the perfect vessel. With options including faded silver rings, rustic rings, or painted black rings, these barrels offer immense character and the soil capacity required to keep bushes hydrated and productive for years.

How to grow: Plant in late autumn or early spring. These plants prefer a cool, moist root run, so a large volume of soil is critical. Mulch the top of the barrel with bark or straw to retain moisture. While they love the sun, gooseberries and currants are more tolerant of partial shade than other fruits.

Timing:

• Flowers: March to April.
• Fruit: June to August.

Figs

Figs love a warm, sheltered spot, perhaps against a south-facing brick wall which retains heat overnight. Interestingly, figs actually fruit better when their roots are restricted, making them one of the best candidates for container growing. If planted in the ground, they tend to produce endless leaves and no fruit.

How to grow: Use a loam-based compost and ensure very good drainage. In the UK, the tiny embryo figs form in autumn and must survive the winter to ripen the following summer. In very cold regions, you may need to wrap the pot in hessian or move it to a greenhouse during deep freezes.

Timing:

• Flowers: The flowers are actually hidden inside the fruit!
• Fruit: Ripens late August to September.

General Care Tips for UK Container Fruit

• Watering: This is the golden rule. Pots dry out much faster than the ground, especially terracotta or wood. Check daily during British heatwaves. Zinc and plastic retain water better, but drainage holes must be kept clear.
• Feeding: Nutrients in pots wash away. Feed with a high-potash liquid fertiliser (like tomato feed) every two weeks once the flowers appear to encourage fruit set.
• Winter Protection: While the plants are hardy, roots in pots are more exposed to frost. Raise pots off the ground using pot feet to assist drainage and prevent the pot from freezing to the patio.