Growing strawberries in containers, garden pots or hanging baskets is easy and delicious. There really is nothing like the taste of a fresh-picked strawberry still warm from the sun - it’s like a mouthful of magic.
Here’s what you need to know to get started growing strawberries in pots
Choosing a Pot – Strawberry pots are, not surprisingly, perfect for growing strawberries. You can fit several plants in one pot, and is a particularly great way to grow strawberries if space is a consideration. Strawberries also look lovely in hanging baskets or ceramic pots. Whatever type of garden pot you use, make sure that it has good drainage.
Choosing Strawberry Plants – There are four different types of strawberry plants, June bearing, everbearing, day neutral and alpine. I like growing the alpine, day neutral or everbearing which provide a longer harvest season. The alpines and day neutral are lovely to look at - bearing small, bright red, tasty berries all season long.
Planting Strawberries in Pots – In early spring, fill your container with a good quality potting soil, adding a slow-release fertilizer, if the mix doesn’t already have it mixed in. Plant your strawberries just deep enough so that the soil level of the nursery pot is at the same level as your potting soil. Be careful not to put soil over the crown of your plant (which is where the plant meets the soil).
Caring for Strawberries – Most strawberry plants will produce best in full sun, though some varieties of alpines and day neutral strawberries will tolerate part shade. All strawberries need consistent water to thrive. Keep the soil moist, not wet. If possible, water in the morning or during the day, not in the evening, to prevent disease. Always test your soil for moisture before watering by sticking your finger in up to the second knuckle. If the soil feels dry, add water. Fertilize with a diluted liquid fertilizer every other week. I use an organic fish emulsion, seaweed combination.
Overwintering Strawberry Pots – If you live in a cold weather zone, move your strawberry containers into a protected area – preferably from 30-40 °F. Check plants weekly, giving them just enough water so they don’t dry out completely. Place them outside in the spring.
