Planting strawberries in pots is a great way to keep the plants alive and healthy. However, it’s a good idea to make sure that you have the correct tools to handle the job properly. Here are a few tips to help you out.
May-bearing varieties
If you are considering planting strawberries in pots, there are several types to choose from. These types will be based on the type of berry they produce, as well as the length of their season.
One type of strawberry is the everbearing variety, which produces a modest crop in the spring and continues to yield a few berries into the fall. They aren’t as hardy as some other varieties, but if you live in a colder area, you may be able to find some that do well.
There are also day-neutral varieties, which initiate flower buds even when the daylight is minimal. These varieties typically produce more berries than June-bearing varieties, and they require little maintenance.
The best way to find the right variety for your area is to visit your local extension office. This will ensure you are getting a disease-free plant, and will help you choose a variety that will perform well in your region.
The type of soil you plant in will also be important. In general, a loose, loamy potting mix works the best. To improve the aeration of your potting mix, you can add compost or rotted manure. You can also use leaf mold to improve the tilth of the soil.
Day-neutral varieties
If you’re thinking of planting strawberries in pots, you’ll need to take the proper precautions. Not only will you have to make sure the pots have good drainage, but you will have to be careful not to allow weeds to grow in the area. The weeds can be a source of disease and pests. In addition, you’ll have to water the plants regularly.
Day-neutral strawberry varieties are ideal for planting in pots. They produce fruit year-round, but they are smaller than June-bearing varieties.
June-bearing varieties produce a large, concentrated crop in late spring. They are popular among home gardeners. They also work well in beds and containers. However, they are not as productive as everbearing varieties.
If you want to plant strawberries in pots, you should make sure you use a variety that is hardy to your climate. Some popular choices include the everbearing varieties Fern, Pink Panda, and Quinault. You should also consider buying disease-resistant varieties that are recommended by your local Cooperative Extension service.
Everbearing varieties
If you’re growing strawberries in a container, everbearing varieties are a good choice. They produce several medium-sized harvests throughout the season. However, they are not as winter-hardy as other types. This makes them a great choice for people who live in areas that experience cold winters.
The first step is to choose a pot with adequate drainage and room for your plant. A pot should be at least three feet wide and a foot deep. You should also choose a spot that gets about six hours of sunlight a day. Water the plant every time it feels dry.
Strawberry plants need a well-drained, loamy soil. If your area has a naturally alkaline soil, you should amend it before planting. To lower the pH to a strawberry-friendly level, you can add compost and peat moss. Alternatively, you can apply a one-inch layer of compost to the bottom of the pot.
Whether you’re growing a container or a traditional garden bed, everbearing strawberries require specific care and attention. For instance, they need a steady supply of 10-10-10 fertilizer. Also, it is important to have plenty of room for the plants to grow and produce. Ideally, you will want to plant them 15 inches apart.
Pruning runners
When planting strawberries in pots, pruning runners is a necessary step. This helps your plants focus on fruit production and prevents disease and pests from spreading. Pruning runners is done at any time between spring and fall.
The best time to prune strawberry runners is before winter mulching. The new plant will need a good root system to thrive. If you remove the runners before the roots have developed, the plant will not be healthy and may not survive.
To prune strawberry runners, first pull away the runners from the parent plant. If the runner has more than one node, you can pin the runner at its end. A u-shaped staple or a thin stick can be used to hold the runner’s root down in the pot.
Once the runner is rooted, cut off the growing tip at the end of the runner. After 4 to 6 weeks, the root system will have formed and the runner should die off.