Genius Growing Strawberries in Pots Ideas

I love strawberries, which is a great understatement since I could eat them almost every day if given the chance. Plain or dipped in chocolate, mixed with other fruits, frozen… I could go on. If I’m not being obvious already, today I want to discuss growing strawberries, specifically, growing strawberries in pots.

Growing up, we had a few small plots on either side of the garage. We grew strawberries in the one on the right, and I remember enjoying picking the strawberries when they were nice and ripe. I still enjoy those sweet memories!

Growing Strawberries in Pots Facts

Here are some fun facts about yummy strawberries!

• Each strawberry produces about 200 seeds, which are what you see on the outside.
• About 5 pounds of strawberries are eaten by Americans yearly.
• 75% of strawberry crops are grown right here in California, which explains why “fresh strawberry” stations are about as common as Starbucks. Fields are scattered all over, including cities.
• Strawberry plants are perennials, so they will keep growing back.
• A strawberry plant will last for about 5 years.
• Growing strawberries from hanging containers are becoming more widespread. Mine are hanging from the side of our balcony porch right now!
• Strawberries come in three categories: day-neutral, June-bearing, and overbearing.
• Strawberries are grown all over the United States and Canada.
• Belgium has a strawberry museum.
• Native Americans and Romans ate strawberries.

Classy Containers

Since I am only discussing growing strawberries in pots, I want to talk briefly about different types of pots that can be used for strawberries.

I grow my strawberries from the container they came in from Home Depot. I’ve had them for a little over a year and they have produced strawberries several times over since.

Stackable containers are great if you like vertical gardening and are great space savers. These containers have several openings on all sides to grow additional strawberries or other edible plants.

Terracotta pots are a popular and great option to grow strawberries in. These sturdy pots come in all types of sizes.

They are great starter pots since they are inexpensive and can be designed the way you want. Check out your local farmer’s markets for deals on garden containers.

Hanging pots are a popular way to grow strawberries too, and are great space savers. Growing strawberries from containers near the ceiling is growing in popularity. This gives more space to grow other plants as well.

Make sure your container has one or more holes in the bottom to drain the water out. Water sitting at the bottom of containers can lead to root rot and kill your plants.

Starting Strawberries

Strawberries grow from seedlings and bare roots. Seedlings generally grow faster than bare roots. Potting mix that drains away extra water works well.

Strawberry plants can take up to two feet of space to grow. One to two plants are needed for containers unless a strawberry container is used, then you can fill in all the openings with at least one strawberry plant.

I LOVE using mini greenhouses to start plants in! Check out this post on how to start seeds in a mini greenhouse!

Plant your strawberries where the crown (the place where roots and stems meet) is just over the soil. The pot will need six to 8 hours of sun to grow flowers and strawberries.

You might need to turn the container every few days if it’s in a place that does not get full sun.

Strawberry Care

Water the plants when the soil is dry. Containers need to be watered more than plants grown in the ground since the soil dries up quicker. Feed your strawberry plants at least once a month with a high-phosphorus fertilizer.

If you live where it gets cold in the winter, your strawberry plants will go dormant. Move your plants indoors to prevent the roots from freezing. Also, mulching the plants is an option if you don’t want to move them.

Tips for Growing Strawberries in Pots

When growing strawberries in pots, it’s important to choose the right variety. While there are many different types of strawberry plants available, not all of them will do well in a pot.

Some varieties do well growing in the ground, while others are more suited for container gardening.

Be sure to choose a variety that is suitable for growing in your climate and make sure that it is disease resistant. This will help ensure that your strawberry plants stay healthy and productive throughout the season.

When planting strawberries in pots, make sure to use a well-draining potting mix and provide enough space for the roots to grow. It is best to use a terra cotta pot, as this will allow air and moisture to pass through the sides without becoming waterlogged.

Make sure that your strawberry plants get at least 6-8 hours of sunlight each day and water them deeply once a week. During the summer months, you may need to water them a bit more often due to the heat and sun.

When harvesting strawberries from pots, make sure not to bend or break the stems as this can damage the plant. Instead, gently lift out the fruit with your fingers or use scissors to snip them off at the stem.

By following these tips for growing strawberries in pots, you can look forward to a delicious harvest of sweet and juicy berries every summer. Enjoy your homegrown fruit knowing that you have created something special with your own two hands.

Growing Strawberries in Pots FAQs

Here are some frequently asked questions you may have about growing strawberries in pots.

Do strawberries grow well in pots?

Yes, strawberries can be grown successfully in pots. Growing strawberries in pots can provide a great way to easily enjoy the sweet taste of sun-ripened berries without having to worry about pests or weeds.

You will need to choose the right pot for your strawberry plants, providing enough space and drainage for their roots to grow.

It is best to use terra cotta pots for strawberry plants because they allow air and moisture to pass through the sides, keeping your soil from becoming waterlogged.

Make sure that the pot is 4-5 inches deep, as this will provide enough room for the roots of your strawberry plant.

You also need to make sure that you use a potting mix that is well draining and contains plenty of organic matter. The potting mix should be amended with a slow-release fertilizer for best results.

Place your strawberry plants in the pot, leaving at least 6 inches of space between each one so that they can become established and spread out their roots.

Water your strawberry plants deeply once a week, making sure not to saturate them or let the soil dry out completely.

During the summer, you may need to water them a bit more often due to the heat and sun. Keep an eye on your strawberry plants for signs of disease or pests and treat them as needed.

Harvesting strawberries from pots can be a little tricky since they are planted close together, but it’s still possible to pick the berries with a little patience. Once the strawberries have ripened, check them daily and pick them as soon as they are ready.

Growing strawberries in pots can be very rewarding, providing you with delicious berries that you can enjoy throughout the summer months.

Will potted strawberries come back next year?

Strawberry plants are perennials, meaning that they will come back year after year if properly cared for. During the winter months, strawberries should be kept in a frost-free area and given some extra protection from cold temperatures.

In the spring when all danger of frost has passed, move your strawberry plants outdoors to their permanent location. If needed, you can give them a fertilizer boost to help them get established in their new home.

Keep watering your strawberry plants regularly and remove any flowers or berries that form during the first year. This will help your plants become strong and healthy, allowing them to develop an extensive root system and produce plenty of fruit come summertime.

Do strawberries need full sun or shade?

Strawberry plants need plenty of sunshine to produce the sweetest and most flavorful fruit. Plant your strawberry plants in a spot that receives at least 6 hours of direct sun each day such as on a sunny balcony or rooftop garden.

If you are growing strawberries in pots, make sure that they get at least 8-10 hours of sunlight every day. This will ensure that your plants are able to produce a healthy crop of berries each season.

If the temperature gets too hot, provide some shade by placing an umbrella or other cover over the pot.

By providing your strawberry plants with plenty of sun and enough water, you can expect them to yield a plentiful harvest of delicious fruit every summer.

How long do strawberry plants last in pots?

Strawberry plants can be grown in pots for many years. With the right potting mix and proper care, your potted strawberry plants should last at least three to five years before needing to be replaced.

It is important to choose a high-quality potting mix and use it every time you repot your strawberries. Amend the soil with compost and provide a slow-release fertilizer each season to keep your plants healthy.

If you notice that your strawberry plants are not producing as many berries or the leaves are turning yellow, it may be time to replace them with new ones.

Keep an eye on your potted strawberry plants and give them the care they need for a long and productive life in your garden.

With the right conditions and proper care, you can enjoy growing strawberries in pots for many years to come.

Growing Strawberries in Pots

Strawberry plants are easy and fun to care for. I love watching the little flowers and fruits grow from my balcony. Have you tried growing strawberries in pots?