Gooseberry, Blackberry and Raspberry not looking so good

[Chomerly]

As a novice gardener i am struggling to figure out the varying issues that may be causing problems with these bushes.
I also have other issues with other plants but they are for another thread.

Anyway, i'm here to learn and i'm trying my best but the issues going on here i definitely need some advice on.
I'm guessing that the problems in the following pics are over fertilisation.
What do you think?

Rasberry bush



Gooseberry bush



Blackberry bush



As said, i get the feeling that they are suffering through over fertilisation.
They have all been potted up within the last 5 weeks with a mixture of John Innes No.2, vermiculite, bonemeal and fish, blood and bone.
Also, they have been feed 2 times (almost 3 weeks apart from one another) using a tomato food concentrate (B&Q brand) since they started showing signs of fruiting.

[rustylady]

I think you are right. Shop bought compost contains enough nutrients for about six week's growth, no need to add anything to it.

Your bushes would be much better planted in the ground if that is possible.

[Two_Sheds]

If not planted in the ground, then they need much bigger pots, and a compost with top soil in it for ooomph (a John Innes No.3 type).

Brown edges to leaves are often an indicator of over- or under-watering. Crispy brown patches= underwatering.
Soft soggy brown patches= overwatering

[Chomerly]

Thanks for the replies guy's.

Each of these bushes are not pot bound at the moment.
In fact, the roots have only just started to form at the base of the pots themselves.

The brown leaves on the Blackberry are as soft as the deep green ones but obviously they are telling me something.

Would pouring through fresh, non-fertilised water help them right now?

[Two_Sheds]

These berries are really tough plants, pretty much weeds. Think of hedgerow blackberries: nobody ever feeds or waters them, yet they produce masses & masses of fruits.


Don't fuss them.

[Chomerly]

These berries are really tough plants, pretty much weeds. Think of hedgerow blackberries: nobody ever feeds or waters them, yet they produce masses & masses of fruits.


Don't fuss them.

That's true.
I used to see them around wild as a kid and there were usually some knackered old bikes and wood pallets mixed in.
Perhaps for a growing framework?

I'll leave them alone now and let the rain we have coming deal with the excess feed they have had.
Having just checked the pots, the roots for each are very few at the base of the pots.
One hasn't even started showing at the base yet but has a few working their way down at the sides.

[FB.]

As said, i get the feeling that they are suffering through over fertilisation.
They have all been potted up within the last 5 weeks with a mixture of John Innes No.2, vermiculite, bonemeal and fish, blood and bone.

I'd agree.
Brown-edged leaves can be a sign of root dysfunction - the soil/compost the roots are in is so strong that it sucks water out of the roots, causing the plant to wilt or show crispy-edged leaves. It's also known as "fertiliser scorch".

Stop feeding and give more water - but don't drown them because that can create other problems.

[FB.]

Brown-edged leaves can be a sign of root dysfunction - the soil/compost the roots are in is so strong that it sucks water out of the roots, causing the plant to wilt or show crispy-edged leaves. It's also known as "fertiliser scorch".

Oh - that's also why animal urine or faeces creates brown dead patches on lawns; it's too rich and dehydrates the plant.