Strawberry planters and hanging baskets can provide attractive strawberry crops. The containers must be kept in a sunny location. If they must be located in a cold climate, move them into an unheated garage or covered shed during the winter.

Plant strawberries so that the crown (where the leaves meet the roots) is just above the soil surface. Fill the container with a light, loamy potting mix that’s been amended with slow-release general fertilizer.

Planting

Strawberries planted as perennials in the ground or in containers that are overwintered indoors can produce for multiple seasons. However, many gardeners choose to grow strawberries as annuals to cut down on maintenance work.

If you decide to grow strawberries in pots, choose well-draining potting soil that is rich with micronutrients. The potting mix should also retain moisture and remain slightly moist, but not soggy.

Plant bare-root strawberries in late spring into early summer so that the plants will be mature enough to bear fruits by fall. You can also plant seedlings and transplants of established strawberry plants, but keep in mind that the new plants will have less productive fruiting than the bare-root strawberries.

Water your strawberry plants whenever the top 1 to 2 inches of the soil feels dry to the touch, about once or twice a week. In the summer, you may need to water more often during hot weather.

Watering

Choosing the right pot has a big impact on strawberry plants’ health. Plant too deep, and crowns suffocate and rot; plant too high, and shallow roots dry out and die.

Aim for a loamy soil mix that retains moisture and nutrients well. Work in compost or aged, well-rotted manure before planting.

Container strawberries need regular watering to keep the soil moist, but not soggy. This is especially important from the time flowers appear until berries are ready to pick.

Check the soil to determine if it is wet or dry by pressing your finger into it. Water when the top 1 inch of soil feels dry or about twice a week. This is especially important during hot, dry weather.

Fertilizing

While many gardeners grow strawberries in the ground, strawberry plants do very well in pots as well. They are easy to manage and produce a bounty of delicious summer fruit.

The main concern with growing strawberries in containers is to avoid overcrowding. Because strawberry plants have shallow root zones, they don’t want to be too tightly packed.

Choose a container that is large enough to support the number of plants you have. Also, make sure that the potting mix is good quality and drains quickly. Strawberries need good drainage to prevent the soil from becoming soggy, which invites deadly microbes into the plant. Water regularly but sparingly. Aim for the top 1 to 2 inches of soil to feel dry before you water again.

Pruning

If you can’t grow strawberries in the ground, there are other ways to enjoy this sweet fruit. Try a strawberry jar, hanging basket or vertical tower to bring this versatile crop to your home.

Fill your containers with rich, well-draining potting soil that’s been amended with compost or aged manure. This will improve the soil’s structure, boost nutrients and increase microbial activity.

When planting bare-root plants or a starter plant, dig a hole large enough to fit the roots. Then mound the soil around the roots, keeping the crowns above the soil line.

Water the strawberries until the soil is slightly damp 1 inch below the surface, about twice per week. Avoid letting the soil become overly dry or soggy, which can lead to fungal disease.

Harvesting

Strawberry plants can quickly take over a garden bed and may be best suited for containers. If you’re limited on garden space, consider growing strawberries in pots to enjoy fresh berries throughout the summer.

Choose a container with plenty of drainage holes. Strawberry plants have shallow roots and require soil that drains well to keep the plant cool and prevent root rot. Fill the container with a loose, loamy potting mix that is high in micronutrients.

When planting, set the strawberry plants so their crowns (where the leaves emerge from the plant) are just above the soil surface. Be sure to snip off any runners that develop so the plant can devote all of its energy toward fruiting and growing. If you haven’t already, add a light layer of mulch to help retain soil moisture.