Growing Strawberries In Containers

Strawberries are an easy crop to grow, and work very well in pots and containers. By growing strawberries in containers you can grow at an easier to reach level. Allowing you to prevent slug damage, identify any insect infestation quickly and save your back.

Growing Strawberries In Containers

There are many different containers on the market now days and most can be used to grow strawberries in. These range from small, shallow, low pots to large, high, roomy containers and it all depends on your wants and needs. For instance, if you have problems with your back go for higher containers.

If you want to grow other plants as companion plants for your strawberries this needs to be taken into account when planning the size of container. The possibilities are endless but the planting methods are the same. What ever container you choose to grow your strawberries in remember to give them extra water as containers dry out much quicker than open ground.

To conserve water use a mulch, you can use either straw, wood chip, gravel, pebbles or grass cuttings. Spread your mulch all round the soil of the pots this will stop water evaporation, and hinder weed growth. Make sure that your soil is free draining because although strawberries need quite a lot of water, they don’t like to sit in it.

Too much water will make the plants rot so add vermiculite or gravel to your soil mix.

Container grown strawberries will also need extra nutrients, once they start to flower feed every 2 weeks with a good quality feed. I use my home made comfrey tea fertiliser, but a good tomato feed can also be used.

Growing Strawberries In Raised Beds

Again raised beds differ in size and shape depending on your space, and needs. The most convenient height for a raised bed will be at such a level that you don’t need to bend. You can even make the top into a seat so that your comfort is greatly enhanced. The choice is yours and the growing method is the same.

Growing Strawberries In Pots

A good way to start growing strawberries is to plant up a few pots and then develop on from there. start with a good quality, nutrient rich compost, fill the pot about halfway and place your rooted strawberry runner into the pot. Then cover with soil, firm down the soil and water. That’s basically it, I’ve started with runners as they are the easiest way to grow strawberries (more below).

One commercial grower I know grows his plants in troughs 6 feet(182 cms)high he says this keeps slug damage to a minimum, saves the workers backs when picking, and as the fruits hang down, ripe fruits are easier to spot.

To prevent slug and snail damage in your pots try smearing petroleum jelly(Vaseline) around the bottom 3 inches(7.6 cms) of the pot. This stops the slugs from climbing up the pot. Or use copper tape to stop them, to find out other ways to deal with slugs naturally click here.

Growing Strawberries In Hanging Baskets

Strawberries do really well in hanging baskets as long as you keep them moist and feed regularly. Plant them around the edges of the basket making sure to hang them over the edge. As they grow they will naturally hang down and the fruit will be easy to spot.

This is a great way to keep slug and snail damage to a minimum and they really brighten up your garden.

Companion Planting Strawberries

Many plants are used as beneficial companion plants to strawberries and if your pots are too small to grow other plants in with the strawberries you can still use this system. Just group the various pots containing the beneficial plants together. You can use different height pots to add differing layers to your garden.

If your containers are large enough, you can add various plants together, take notice of how deep the different plants roots grow, this will allow you to fit many more plants in a small space. To discover what plants are best grown in companion with strawberries click here.

Strawberry Plant Runners

Established strawberry plants produce fruit, and they also produce runners. Strawberry runners are the way strawberries spread around gardens or woodlands or plots. They are also the easiest way to grow strawberries. The runners root into the soil and once new growth is spotted, they can be replanted wherever you want to put them.

In the first 2 years of growth it is best to snip all runners off and concentrate on growing healthy plants. It takes a lot of energy to produce runners and young plants need a lot of energy to establish their own roots and produce fruit. So from year 3 onwards you can allow the runners to form new plants that can then be added to your strawberry bed/pots.

These runners are sold commercially and are usually sold in bundles of 10 for about £12.00 from garden centres. Roughly a pound each might seem expensive, but if you look after them right they will continue to produce either fruit or new plants for many years. There are quite a few varieties available as runners but you will get a larger range if you buy seeds.

Growing Strawberries From Seed

This is a more difficult option but also much more satisfying and you get a larger range of strawberry varieties to try. Always buy your seed from a reputable seller or garden centre because there are a lot of unscrupulous dealers out there. You can save seed from shop bought strawberries but remember that unless they are heirloom varieties they will not grow true to type.

To grow strawberries from seed you will need to emulate conditions in the wild and this means stratification. This is a process whereby you have to freeze the seed for at least 4 weeks before it will germinate. Take a freezer bag, add sand and the strawberry seeds, shake and seal and label the bag.

Place in a freezer for 4 weeks and then remove from the freezer and allow the bag to warm up gradually. After another 7 days or so place seeds in growing medium/potting compost lightly cover with soil and water gently. Place somewhere warm until germination, about 14-21 days.

Once seeds have germinated place in a warm, bright place and grow on until the last frosts have passed. You can then repot the seedlings outside, placing the pots in full sun and keeping the soil moist. Never over water but also never allow the soil to dry out either.

On new plants the first flowers should be removed to let the plant create a healthy root system. Eventually these plants will produce runners and these need to be dealt with as above.

Growing Strawberries From A Strawberry

To get the seeds from strawberries you can use one of three methods although none are guaranteed to produce strawberry plants.

Method #1 By Hand

Gently remove the seeds from the outside of the strawberry by picking them off with your fingers.

Method #2 Scrape With A Knife

Use the back of a knife to gently scrape the seeds away from the strawberry, catch the seeds in a bowl.

Method #3 Use A Blender

Add strawberries to a blender, turn on for no longer than 5 seconds. This is so you don’t damage the seeds. Place liquid in a jar add water and shake. strain liquid and place seeds onto kitchen paper to dry. Once seeds have fully dried scrape off paper and store in a dry container.

Growing Strawberries In A Greenhouse

Strawberries will grow well in a greenhouse just plant as above and allow as much light in as possible. Make sure that the plants don’t dry out, remember strawberries only have a shallow root system and the top soil will dry out quickly. Feed as per container grown strawberries and keep weeds to a minimum.

Make sure the greenhouse is well ventilated to prevent disease and allow pollinators to access the plants. Add companion plants to attract pollinators and deter pests and keep the area clean and tidy so that you can see any pests quickly. Grow certified plants from good sources like garden centres and specialist growers as these will usually be healthier plants.