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Strawberries can flourish quickly and overtake an area with spindly flowers, vines, white and red berries and white flowers. A strawberry box is a good way to keep your strawberry supply under control. Additionally, strawberries grow much more quickly in planters when they are raised up out of the ground. Once different plants start growing into each other, a plant can die, have its roots overtaken or become affected by other bugs or diseases from certain vegetables or fruits. Also, strawberries should not be planted next to plants such as tomatoes, peppers, eggplant or potatoes because of the disease verticillium rot.
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The best types of strawberry planters are well-drained and deep so the roots can bury and spread. Numerous types of strawberry planters are available. There are strawberry pots, raised beds, hanging bags and baskets, pottery jar pyramids that have random holes for the strawberries to emerge and rectangular planters, the most common type. Agro-Tower Grow Pots, a newer, popular model, are stackable and very durable. They are great planters for growing strawberries in smaller areas, such as on a patio or balcony. All of these strawberry planters can range from $15 to $100, depending upon the size. Planters come in dozens of sizes, such as the 11-by-7-inch hanging strawberry baskets, 12-by-18-inch pottery jar pyramid and 4-by-2.5-foot rectangular planters. They can be ceramic, plastic or metal.
- Always plant in the spring or late fall, depending upon your location. In the strawberry planters, use fertilizer rich soil, but do not overfertilize during the course of the season because the planter does well at keeping the fertilizer active in and around the plants. Water 1 to 2 inches per week, especially during budding. Mulch between the plants to keep the plants cooled off if you are in a warm climate. If you live in a cold climate, mulch with straw or pine needles over the plants in cold night temperatures to protect the plants. You can remove the mulch in the spring.
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Planting times vary, depending on the type of strawberries you grow. If grown correctly, strawberry plants will produce fruit for many years, and each crop should be about a quart of strawberries. Once in a strawberry planter, plants will sprout within a week and be ready for harvest by 3 weeks. Depending upon the variety of strawberry, you can get up to three crops of strawberries in one summer. While growing in a planter, it is best to remove the white flowers and buds at the first harvest to encourage growth and faster production.
- Strawberry planters can be used in every state, as long as the fruit is planted in spring, as early as possible in cold climates or even in late winter. In subtropical areas, they are best planted during March to April in planters. Strawberries are known for favoring milder temperatures, but they can thrive areas with pretty much any climate, ranging from Alaska to southern Florida.
