Can Strawberries Grow in the Classroom?

Containers

• Choose a planter. You will find that strawberries are not particular about the container you use for a planter. Your plants will thrive in any container that you already have. However, pots are available that are designed specifically for growing strawberries; these pots have wide mouths that will accommodate a few plants. Along the sides of the pot are pockets where new runners can produce additional plants. A plastic pot with drainage holes in the bottom and will fit on a window sill is ideal.

Soil

• Add a good quality commercial potting soil to your pot. Some growers add a little sand to the soil for strawberries. If you are using a commercial strawberry pot, fill the pot with soil and place soil in each of the side pockets.

Strawberries

• There are three types of strawberries available. June-bearing plants produce one crop of berries in June and July; ever-bearing plants produce berries in spring, summer and fall; and day-neutral berries provide fruit all year long. Ever-bearing plants are recommended for growing indoors because their light requirements are not as great as the other types. If you choose to grow the plants from seeds, freeze them for 2 to 4 weeks prior to planting them in soil. This brings them out of the dormant stage.

Care

• Strawberries thrive in sunshine. Place your plant on a window sill where it will receive at least 6 hours of sunlight. If a bright window is not available, use growing lights, which are available at any hardware store. Keep your soil moist but not soggy. It should not be allowed to dry out completely between watering.