Can You Plant Two Strawberry Plants in One Pot?

Containers

• The number of plants you can safely grow in a container depends on the size of the container. Each plant requires about 6 inches of growing space, and you can plant three to five plants in a 12-inch basket. A larger container such as a half whiskey barrel will accommodate several plants. The type of container doesn't matter as long as the pot has at least one drainage hole in the bottom. However, a light-colored pot is beneficial if you live in a hot climate, as the light color helps keep the roots cool. Similarly, a terracotta planter breathes more than a plastic or ceramic container, which keeps the roots aerated. Use a sturdy container that won't tip or blow over in a strong wind.

Growing Requirements

• Strawberries require at least eight hours of sunlight per day, as the plants don't flower well in shade. However, strawberries benefit from afternoon shade in in hot climates where the temperature frequently exceeds 85 degrees Fahrenheit. Fill the pot with a quality commercial potting mixture that contains ingredients such as peat moss, composted bark or compost, along with a substance that promote drainage, such as perlite or vermiculite.

Planting

• To plant strawberries in containers, fill the container about two-thirds full with potting mixture, and then make a small hill for each plant. Remove the plant from its nursery container, and center it on the hill with the roots spread evenly over the hill. When the plants are in place, add potting soil until the soil is even with the crown of the plants -- the point where the stems join the roots. Be sure not to cover the crown because the plant may smother and rot. Water the plants slowly until water drips through the drainage hole. If necessary, add potting soil to replace soil that settles during watering.

Care

• Strawberries don't do well in soggy, waterlogged soil, especially when the plants are young and the roots aren't yet established. However, it's critical to check the plants daily, as potting soil in containers dries quickly, especially during warm weather. Water the plant deeply whenever the top 1 inch of soil feels dry, and then let the soil dry before watering again. Feed the plants every month during the growing season, using a water-soluble fertilizer mixed at a rate of 1 tablespoon of fertilizer to 1 gallon of water.