Growing strawberries (Fragaria) in pots and hanging baskets is an easy way to enjoy super sweet fruit. Strawberries are compact and perfect for small spaces like pots, planters and baskets. Growing strawberries in pots is also a good way to avoid pests or bacterial and fungal diseases. Let’s see how.
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Types of pot for strawberries
Strawberries have shallow roots, so there’s no need to have a deep container to grow them in, as that would be a waste of potting soil.
Strawberries generally do well in classic strawberry towers with small pockets, one plant per pocket. Or, a typical pot 12 to 14 inches in diameter can hold two to three plants.
Of course, you can plant a smaller 15-20cm pot for a single plant, but smaller pots will dry out faster and need to be watered more often, so keep that in mind.
potting soil
Use a good quality, peat-free all-purpose mix. We never recommend using garden soil, because in pots it will compact and take time to drain, which strawberries will not appreciate.
Strawberry plants prefer a free-draining mix, something that stays moist enough but never becomes waterlogged.
It is recommended to fill the pots with a 50-50 mix of high quality potting soil and compost.
You can also apply a potassium-rich liquid food at regular intervals, such as tomato fertilizer every two weeks during the growing season.
Grow strawberries in pots
Plant them so that the roots are covered, but the crowns are just above the ground. The crown is the short, thick stem where the foliage emerges above and the roots below.
Reaffirm them well. If the crown leans to one side, point it toward the edge of the container. This way the plants will grow over the edge, hanging from the container to make the most of the available space.
You can space them a little closer than they would need on the ground, about 6 to 8 inches apart.
The last thing to add is straw mulch. The straw will lift the foliage, fruits and flowers above the soil.
This will help keep them clean and ensure they don’t sit on the wet surface of the mix, which could lead to rot.
The straw also helps shade the potting soil, so it retains moisture longer and keeps the roots a little cooler.
Spread straw around the canopy, making sure the foliage rises above and doesn’t get buried. If you can’t get straw, you can use wood shavings, anything that keeps the top dry.
Finally water until the water comes out of the drainage holes of the pot. Water them regularly to keep the mixture moist.
Water well and place the pot in a place where it receives full sun: at least 6 to 8 hours of direct light per day. If you are growing strawberries in a hanging basket, avoid hanging it in a very windy area.
Caring for Potted Strawberries
Irrigation
Water regularly, especially when the plants are fruiting, so that the berries are of good quality. However, do not overwater.
If you’re unsure if your pot needs watering, poke your finger into the soil to see if it’s still about an inch deep. Wet soil means no watering. Dry land means it’s time to do it.
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I like to apply a slow-release organic fertilizer when I plant, but you can also use a liquid organic fertilizer every two to three weeks during the growing season (read package directions for specific instructions).
Carve the runners
Some strawberry varieties produce lots of runners that look great as they cascade down the side of the pot, but they drain energy from the plant, reducing its yield.
Cut runners with sharp hand pruners when they seem to be encouraging maximum fruit production.
Eliminate any that spawn in the first year and, if you can, avoid letting them get too big in the second. Removing them will encourage our plants to focus on getting bigger, better and bolder.
Protect the fruit harvest
Container strawberries suffer from fewer pests, diseases, and even birds than plants grown on the ground, but that doesn’t mean they can’t happen.
Keep an eye on your plants and if birds become a problem, cover pots or baskets with bird netting.
Caring for strawberries in winter
Strawberries do not overwinter outdoors. You can move the pots to a protected location, such as an unheated garage or basement.
Check every few weeks to see if the soil has dried out and water as needed. You can also remove them from their container and put them in a garden bed to overwinter. Cover them with a mulch of straw or shredded leaves for added protection.
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