Grow Strawberries in Containers for Convenience

Growing strawberries in containers is the ultimate in convenience gardening. The plants can be grown in the ideal position which is sunny and sheltered. This mobile system means the strawberries can be brought into a greenhouse or conservatory to promote earlier fruiting. Plants which are raised off the ground are less at risk from slugs and other soil borne pests and diseases. Freshly picked strawberries can be enjoyed by all gardeners, even those with a tiny plot, or even just a paved area.

Containers for Growing Strawberries

A wide range of bespoke strawberry planters are on the market. The imaginative gardener can design and make his very own planter.

• Terracota strawberry pots with planting pockets are attractive, but need careful watering in summer to avoid letting the plants dry out.
• Pots or wooden half barrels are easy to manage. Choose a pot at least 25cm in diameter and put in no more than three plants.
• Hanging baskets are suitable, but again choose one at least 35cm in diameter or the compost will dry out very quickly.
• Window boxes can be used and take up no ground space at all.
• Sectional tower pots provide suitable growing conditions.
• Tiered plant stands made from timber to hold growing bags are attractive and functional.
• To cut costs the handy D.I.Y. enthusiast can make a raised cradle from rough sawn timber. Such constructions may be lined with old carpet and filled with compost prior to planting.

When to Buy Strawberry Plants

Pot grown plants can be bought all the year round. Fresh dug bare root plants are usually available from October to November and will give a decent crop the first year after planting. Cold stored or frozen plants are available from specialist producers from March/April to late July. If planted between May and July they will crop within 60 days provided they are well watered in dry weather.

Some Recommended Strawberry Varieties

Early Varieties (cropping mid June to early July)

‘Honeoye’ carries heavy crops of large bright red berries with good flavour.

Mid-Season (cropping from late June to mid July

‘Cambridge Favourite’ is a widely grown reliable variety with good flavour.

‘Elsanta’ has heavy crops of large, firm berries and is of very good flavour

‘Tenira’ has excellent flavour and crops prolifically bearing medium sized firm, juicy fruits.

Late season (cropping throughout July)

‘Symphony’ has good yields of firm, juicy bright red well flavoured berries.

Perpetual (cropping mid August to mid October)

‘Mara des Bois’ tastes fantastic and has good sized berries.

Caring for Container Grown Strawberries

Keep plants in containers moist, but not waterlogged. Water by hand or install drip irrigation. Give a balanced liquid feed every week from spring to commencement of flowering. When plants are flowering and fruiting use a tomato fertilizer because the high potash content will improve the flavour of the strawberry fruits.

Controlling Pests and Diseases of Container Grown Strawberries

Aphids can be a problem in spring when they infest new growth. To control, spray with an organically approved insecticide base on fatty acids. Spider mite can be a problem and biological control with the predatory mite Phytoseiulus persimilis gives good control. It may also be necessary to cover with nets to keep off birds.

Enjoy Clean and Handy Home Grown Fruit

With containers raised from the ground the strawberry fruits will be clean and at a more convenient height to pick. Delicious crops can be enjoyed for three years after which time the old plants should be replaced with fresh certified stock and planted in new compost.