Strawberries Grown in Pots

Variety of Strawberry

• Although strawberries are generally hardy and reasonably easy to grow, some varieties are more suited to growing in pots than others. Alpine species, such as Mignoette, Fragola di Bosco or Alba, are comparatively small, contained plants. This type of strawberry gives a high yield from a small space and does not produce runners at the end of the growing season like most of the non-alpine varieties, which makes them ideal for growing in containers.

Fertilizer

• When grown in containers, plants have a very limited amount of nutrients available. The smaller the container, the less compost used, therefore the less nutrients available. For this reason, it is very important to fertilize regularly. Growers can purchase liquid feed specifically formulated for container-grown fruit. There are also several other homemade, organic, more cost-effective options. Liquid feed made from nettles stewed in a covered container for around two weeks, then diluted and added to water, is an easy, very effective method. Alternatively, well-rotted manure from grazing animals or poultry can be incorporated into the compost. Any of these methods helps to replenish nutrients, which maximizes fruit yield and helps to maintain the plants in good health.

Compost

• Due to the limited space that comes with container growing, it is very important to use the best quality compost available. Nutrient-rich, moisture-retaining compost is the preferred choice or well-rotted compost from a garden compost bin. The compost should be completely changed at least every other year. This replenishes nutrients, revitalizing the plants and helping to maintain good health and maximize fruit yield. Changing the compost also reduces the risk of harmful diseases or pests harboring in the old compost and attacking the plants.

Containers

• The larger the container the better. Several alpine strawberry plants grown in one large container or in several smaller containers situated close together will offer the maximum yield as pollination is more likely to occur. Although strawberry flowers contain both male and female parts, insect activity or the wind is still required to transfer the pollen from the male to the female parts. Most alpine varieties require between 12 and 18 inches of space for maximum production and continued good health. Old barrels, with holes placed strategically in the sides, make cost-effective strawberry pots. Using this type of pot, a grower can maximize space by planting down the sides of the barrel as well as around the top.