Fruits with shallow roots
Shallow-rooted fruit plants perfect for limited soil depth or containers include:
- berries (strawberries, blueberries, raspberries, currants)
- herbs (thyme, oregano)
These all benefit from consistent moisture and mulch in raised beds or pots.
Strawberries
Grow in pots, beds, or hanging baskets; spread shallow roots.
Click here for RHS Advice for growing strawberries.
Blueberries
Fine, surface-feeding roots, ideal for wide, shallow pots, but need acidic soil, so definitely in pots.
Click here for RHS Advice for growing blueberries.
Raspberries
Soft fruits with shallow, spreading roots, needing watering and benefitting from some early mulching. Raspberries can be early- or late-autumn varieties, so a couple of each wouldn’t go amiss.
Click here for RHS Advice for growing blueberries.
Gooseberries and redcurrants
Good options for containers or shallow borders. Currants will require netting to protect from birds, but all are easy to grow. Best sited in warmest place on your allotment, generally facing south.
Click here for RHS Advice for growing gooseberries.
Click here for RHS advice for growing redcurrants.