Runners are often cheaper than starter plants, but some may require special care, such as soaking or refrigeration. Follow the instructions from your nursery if this is the case. Day-neutral plants (which produce multiple small harvests) or everbearing plants (which produce 2 harvests a year) are ideal for growing in containers. While June-bearing plants can be grown, they will only produce 1 large harvest a year and often do better when grown in a garden. [2] X Research source
Runners can usually be kept in the fridge for a few days before planting while starter plants can survive in their pots from the nursery. Don’t wait more than a few days to plant, however. Plant your strawberries after the last frost. Check growing almanacs for the last expected frost date in your area.
If you decide to use a hanging box, it is important to make sure that the plant does not dry out easily. Keep the pot away from windy areas and feel the soil often to see if it is dry.
For large and heavy pots, load the bottom of the pot with small rocks or ceramic pieces. Place landscaping fabric on top before filling with soil. This will help the container drain. It will also make the pot lighter than it would be if it was completely filled with soil, helping you move it if needed. [6] X Research source Don’t use soil from your backyard. It may not drain as easily, and it may not be the ideal pH for a strawberry plant.
The green, thickened stem (called the crown) should sit just above the surface of the soil while the top of the roots should sit just below the surface.
If there is not much sunlight in your region or if you can’t keep them in direct sunlight, set up a grow-light in your home. Place the strawberries plants under it for 6-10 hours a day. Remember to rotate the container every week. This will help each side of the plant get enough sunlight.
It is better to water a little bit more often than it is to water the plant too much at one time. If standing water remains in the pot after you’ve watered, cut back on how much water you give the plants.
For most pesticides, spray it directly onto the leaves, either in the early morning or evening. If birds are eating your berries, drape a net or mesh over the plant to keep them away.
Keep potted strawberries away from tomatoes, potatoes, and eggplants, as these are common carriers of fungus that can spread to strawberries. Watering the base of the plant and not the leaves can help prevent fungus from growing. Remove any leaves with fungus to prevent it from spreading to other parts of the plant.
Place the containers near a sunny window or put them under a grow light for the winter. This will ensure that they get enough sun during this time. Keep the containers in an unheated garage, basement, or room. You only need to water the plant once every 1-2 weeks.
If you’re using small containers, like window boxes or hanging baskets, replace the soil entirely. Remove the strawberry gently from the pot, being careful not to disturb the roots. Discard any remaining soil and replace it with fresh potting soil. If you’re using a large growing bed or pot, just mix fresh compost into the top layer of soil in the pot. You do not need to replace all of the soil.
If you want to grow new strawberry plants, keep the runners. Pin the small plantlet on the stalk into the soil using a hairpin or a piece of wire. Once it sprouts leaves, cut it free from the mother plant and move it to a separate container.
