How to Care for Strawberry Plants in Containers

Strawberries can be grown in nearly any home garden. If you don't have room for a traditional strawberry bed, plant them in containers on a patio or balcony. Caring for strawberry plants in containers properly ensures you get maximum fruit production out of the small space. While most of the requirements are the same regardless if the fruits are grown in a bed or a pot, there are some special considerations for successful production of container-grown strawberries.

Things You'll Need

Fertilizer
Shears

Insecticidal soap
Bird netting

Instructions

- 1
  Place the container in an area that receives at least eight hours of sunlight a day. Move the strawberry container to follow the sun throughout the summer if necessary.
- 2
  Water when the surface of the soil begins to feel dry. Water from the top until the excess moisture begins to drain from the bottom of the pot. This ensures the soil deep inside the container is evenly moist. Check soil moisture daily, as containers dry out quickly.
- 3
  Fertilize strawberries every two weeks with a balanced, soluble fertilizer. Follow label instructions for exact fertilizer amounts and delivery method.
- 4
  Remove runners from the strawberry plant. The runners resemble thin vines branching out from the main plant that will grow into new plants if left in place. Snip these off where they emerge from the strawberry and dispose of them.
- 5
  Check the plants for mite or aphid damage regularly, such as discolored leaves or visible insects on the underside of leaves. Treat infestations with an insecticidal soap, following label application directions for the particular brand.
- 6
  Harvest berries as soon as they ripen to encourage further production and keep them from pests. Cover the top of the pot with bird netting or chicken wire if bird depredation is an issue.

Winter Preparation for Strawberry Plants

How to Plant Bare-Root Strawberries

Growing Strawberries