How to Grow Strawberries in Pots
If you struggle with space or just want a few plants on your back porch, then learning How to Grow strawberries in pots will open up a world of options for your summer garden. Who says red ripe berries can only be found at the store? Now, you can have the food you love without shopping or growing a large backyard garden.
Tips for container gardening that will help you to grow what you love no matter where you live.
The Sweet Taste of Summer Berries
When I think of summer, strawberries are the first thing that comes to mind. There’s something about those sweet, juicy berries that captures the feeling of warm, lazy days spent outside in the sunshine.
Where we live, “Pick Your Own” berry fields are everywhere, offering fresh fruit straight from the vine. While the idea was a good one when I was younger, the reality of spending hours bent over rows of bushes isn’t so easy anymore.
Store-bought berries don’t really win me over either. They may look picture-perfect on top—bright red and ready to eat—but the berries hiding beneath are usually far from appetizing.
There’s nothing better than having a few strawberry plants right on our back patio. It’s like having summer at your fingertips, ready whenever you want it.
How to Grow Strawberries in Pots or Grow Bags
Growing strawberries in pots or grow bags is a great way to enjoy fresh, sweet berries no matter where you live—even if you don’t have a lot of space to work with. Whether you want to grow a patio garden or simply love the idea of fresh strawberries in June, you can start growing without too much fuss.
Choose the Best Strawberry Varieties
Strawberries can be divided into three main types:
- June-bearing: These plants produce a single, heavy crop in late spring or early summer. They’re perfect if you love a big harvest all at once.
- Everbearing: These give you smaller but regular harvests throughout the growing season.
- Day-neutral: Similar to everbearing strawberries, these varieties produce fruit continuously as long as the temperature is right.
For container gardening, day-neutral and everbearing are often your best options. Popular varieties like ‘Albion,’ ‘Seascape,’ and ‘Ozark Beauty‘ are compact, prolific, and perfect for pots.
Find the Perfect Sunny Spot
Strawberries love sunshine, so pick a location where they’ll get 6-8 hours of direct sunlight daily. Sunshine not only helps the berries ripen but also keeps the leaves dry, reducing the risk of diseases.
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Select the Right Containers
Strawberries can thrive in a variety of containers, including pots, hanging baskets, and grow bags. Here’s what to look for when choosing your container:
- Size: A container that holds at least 2 gallons of soil per plant is best as it will help to keep the soil moist. Small pots may look nice on a patio, but they can dry out quickly and stunt growth.
- Drainage: Make sure your pot has good drainage holes to prevent soggy soil and root rot. Grow bags are a good solution as the material is porous and lets excess water drain out.
- Material: Plastic pots with drainage are a good option. Fabric grow bags are lightweight and retain moisture well while still allowing for drainage. Terracotta pots are sturdy but may dry out faster, so they will need to be watered more often.
Seeds or Seedlings?
Both seeds and seedlings have their advantages, so it depends on your preference. Seeds are less expensive and give you a greater variety of options, while seedlings ensure a quicker start to fruit production.
Consider starting with seedlings if you’re new to growing strawberries or want to enjoy the fruits sooner rather than later.
Planting Your Strawberries
Once you have your containers cleaned and filled with potting mix you are ready to start planting.
- Prep the Soil: Use a good-quality potting mix enriched with compost or organic matter. You can also mix in a slow-release fertilizer for an extra boost. Strawberries prefer slightly acidic soil with a pH between 5.5 and 6.5. You can use test strips to test the soil if you are unsure.
- Plant Spacing: If using a long planter or large grow bag, space the plants at least 10-12 inches apart. For individual pots, place one plant per container that is about 2-5 gallons in size.
- Crown Position: When planting, keep the crown (where the leaves meet the roots) just above the soil line. If buried too deep, it can rot.
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Caring for your Potted Strawberries
Once planted, it’s important to take care of your plants each day to ensure you get the best berries.
- Watering: Strawberries love consistent moisture but hate wet roots. Water them regularly, especially in hot weather, but ensure the soil dries slightly between waterings. If you are using Terra cotta pots, you will need to water more frequently.
- Tending: Remove any wilted or yellowing leaves to keep the plants healthy. Mulching around the plants with straw or shredded bark can help retain moisture and keep the strawberries up off the soil so they are cleaner.
- Fertilizing: Feed your plants with a dilute liquid fertilizer every 3-4 weeks to keep them productive. Stop fertilizing your plants once they start flowering.
Watch Out for Pests and Problems
Even though growing in containers will help reduce issues, it is still good to know what is common in strawberries so you can stop things before they get out of hand.
- Aphids and Spider Mites: These tiny pests can weaken your plants. Hose them off with water or treat them with insecticidal soap.
- Slugs and Snails: These annoyances love ripe strawberries. Place crushed eggshells or copper tape around your pots to deter them.
- Fungal Diseases: Avoid overhead watering to reduce the risk of gray mold and powdery mildew. If you catch a fungal issue early, remove the affected parts and treat them with a fungicide if needed.
Harvesting Your Strawberries
Wait until your strawberries are fully red before picking them—they won’t ripen after being plucked. Gently pull the berry off with a small bit of the stem attached to avoid damaging the plant. Try to harvest in the early morning when the berries are cool and firm.
Preparing Your Plants for Next Season
Strawberries are perennial plants, meaning they can come back every year if cared for properly.
- At the end of the growing season, trim dead foliage and clear out debris or mulch to avoid overwintering pests.
- If you live in a colder area, move pots to a sheltered location or wrap them in burlap to protect the roots from freezing.
- You can also take runners (baby plants) from your strawberry plants during the season and transfer them to new containers. This way, you’ll have extra plants ready to go for the next year.
There’s something truly special about eating a strawberry you’ve grown right outside your kitchen door. Whether you’re enjoying them fresh off the plant, in a dessert, or tucked into your favorite smoothie, fresh and homegrown just tastes better.
Growing strawberries in pots is a great way to add a bit of fresh fruit to your summer no matter where you live.
