How to Grow Strawberries in Pots

Not everyone knows that growing strawberries in pots isn't all that difficult. Our article with photos will explain all the nuances. Strawberries are an incredibly tasty and healthy berry, loved by everyone. Buying strawberries at the store isn't always cost-effective; it's better to grow them yourself. It's okay if you don't have a garden plot. You can grow strawberries on a windowsill in a simple pot.

This is very convenient, since the bush will not take up much space, and for greater space savings, you can choose special two- or three-tier containers.

If you like this idea, go ahead and get started.

How to Grow Strawberries in a Pot

Choosing the right variety

The first thing you should pay attention to is the strawberry variety. Not every strawberry can grow in a pot, as most species are already adapted to outdoor cultivation. However, there are special varieties called everbearing strawberries. They look no different from regular strawberries, but they bear fruit twice a year. With proper care, they can produce even more.

Everbearing strawberries, in turn, are divided into two subtypes. The first includes bushes that bear fruit during long daylight hours. You'll harvest them twice a year. The second, however, can bloom during neutral daylight hours and produces fruit beautifully for almost the entire year—about 10 months. This is good, as you can enjoy your favorite berries anytime, but there are also some downsides. The bushes become very tired during this period and, if not properly fed and cared for, may die.

Pay special attention to the container in which the bush will grow. These can be either plastic pots or wooden boxes. It's better to choose the latter, as the wood will allow the roots to breathe. However, a regular pot with good drainage is an excellent alternative. This plant does not tolerate stagnant water, so adding drainage to any container is essential.

The minimum container size for one bush is 3 liters. Most varieties do not transplant well, so they will need to grow in the same location for about three years. Therefore, it's best to choose a pot with some extra space, but not too much. If you're planting in larger containers rather than pots, keep this in mind as well. Leave at least 20 centimeters between bushes.

Please note that the container must have holes for water drainage and drainage. Pebbles, crushed brick, and expanded clay are good options for this purpose. For planting, use a general-purpose potting mix from the store.

Be sure to feed your potted strawberries approximately once every two weeks with a complete or organic fertilizer. The plant needs additional vitamins most during flowering and fruit ripening. However, you can stop feeding during winter, as the plant is dormant.

Strawberries can be planted using either ready-made seedlings or seeds. The former is faster, while the latter is more reliable, as you'll know exactly what variety you'll get. Growing from seeds is best done in long boxes. Fill them halfway with soil and water. Place the seeds on top. Next, create a greenhouse effect by covering them with plastic wrap or glass. Remember to keep the soil moist. Once the first shoots appear, remove the plastic wrap or glass. Once you see leaves, you can transplant them into pots.

Planting seedlings is done as follows: Take a suitable pot, fill it with soil (it should be fairly loose), and make a depression. Prepare the plant by using pruning shears to trim the roots and seedlings slightly. Then, thoroughly moisten the soil and place it in a warm location.

We recommend you find out Reviews of the 'Elizabeth' strawberry variety.

Further care of strawberries in a pot

Planted strawberries need to be pruned regularly. When growing from seed, when five leaves appear, the bottom three are pinched off. When the plant reaches 10 centimeters, the top should be trimmed off. The tendrils also need to be removed, as they consume too much energy. Remember to feed the plant after each pruning. Water the strawberries frequently, but avoid allowing the moisture to stagnate. This encourages mold, which restricts air flow. If this happens, the plant will suffocate and die.

The main problem when growing strawberries in pots is pollination. In most cases, this is done by hand. Take a brush (or cotton swab), slightly dampen it, and swipe it over the pistils and stamens several times.

Planted strawberries in multi-tiered pots? Keep an eye on the fruit; if there are too many, they will fall off and damage the branches. This is especially true if you're growing a variety with large berries. If you're growing in a regular flowerpot or box, don't worry; all the fruit will lie neatly on the windowsill.

If you love strawberries, then dedicate some time to them and enjoy their fragrant fruits whenever your heart desires. Growing these berries on a windowsill is no more difficult than in a garden bed; you just need to follow the guidelines.

We also recommend reading, How to properly care for strawberries in the spring to get a good harvest.