How to Grow Organic Strawberry Plants in Pots

Grow organic strawberries in pots.

Biting into a sweet and juicy strawberry is one of life's simple pleasures. Growing an organic strawberry container garden affords you a way to keep your strawberry plants lush and full. Enjoy antioxidant-rich, chemical-free strawberries even if you have limited garden space -- by growing them in baskets, tiered containers or planters designed for strawberry plants. Grow strawberries in hanging pots to mitigate crawling pests. Both day-neutral and everbearing strawberry types produce berries for extended periods, and are well suited to containers. Control growing conditions to help benefit your strawberry crop and your environment.

Things You'll Need

• Strawberry seedling variety for your climate
• 8- to 10-inch pots with sufficient drainage holes
• Potting soil
• Compost
• Netting
• Organic fertilizers, bat guano, worm castings
• Pine straw mulch

Instructions

1. Grow strawberry varieties known to do well in your region and climate. Local nurseries, master gardening programs and agricultural extension offices can make recommendations.

2. Plant young strawberry plants in deep pots with adequate drainage. The Going Green at Home website recommends using strawberry pots with drainage holes in the bottoms and in the sides. Place a layer of small stones or clay pot shards in the bottom of the pots before adding soil; strawberries don't tolerate "wet feet."

3. Add compost and other organic matter to potting soil before planting strawberry seedlings. Mix the compost into the soil. Use enough compost to give plant roots room to spread, advises the the Elm House Nurseries website. Continue to feed with an organic fertilizer high in phosphorous.

4. Hang or place strawberry pots where they get regular sunlight. Turn pots regularly so the whole plant receives light. Cover pots with netting so you don't have to share the fruit with critters like rabbits, raccoons and birds.

Tips & Warnings

• Organic fertilizers, bat guano and worm castings provide good nourishment for strawberry plants.

• Leave room in pots for mulch, to conserve moisture and stabilize soil temperatures.

• Cover strawberries with plastic to protect them during cold snaps, advises the Gardening Easy Made website. Because pots are completely exposed to cold temperatures, wrapping them in insulating blankets or bubble wrap can help even more. During severe cold spells, bring pots indoors.

• Don't allow plants to dry out completely, but also avoid overwatering.

References

• Going Green at Home: Strawberry Container Gardening
• Gardening Easy Made: Organic Container Gardening: Growing Strawberries in Containers
• Uwins at Elm House Nurseries: Strawberry Plant Growing Guide
• University of Illinois Extension: Growing Strawberries