What To Know
- This blog post will guide you through the process of how to grow everbearing strawberry in containers, ensuring a bountiful harvest throughout the season.
- If you live in a region with harsh winters, consider covering your container with a frost blanket or moving it to a sheltered location.
- Growing everbearing strawberries in containers is a rewarding experience, offering a continuous supply of sweet, juicy berries.
Everbearing strawberries, with their ability to produce fruit over an extended period, are a delightful addition to any garden. But what if you have limited space or want to bring the sweetness of these berries right to your patio or balcony? That’s where container gardening comes in. This blog post will guide you through the process of how to grow everbearing strawberry in containers, ensuring a bountiful harvest throughout the season.
Choosing the Right Container
The first step to success is selecting the right container for your everbearing strawberries. Here’s what to consider:
- Size: Opt for a container that’s at least 12 inches wide and 12 inches deep. This provides ample space for the roots to spread and the plants to thrive.
- Material: Plastic, terracotta, or wooden containers are all suitable. Plastic retains moisture better, while terracotta allows for better drainage.
- Drainage: Ensure your container has drainage holes to prevent waterlogging, which can damage roots.
Selecting the Perfect Everbearing Strawberry Variety
With a wide array of everbearing strawberry varieties available, choosing the right one for your container garden is crucial. Here are some popular options:
- ‘Seascape’: Known for its high yield and resistance to disease.
- ‘Tribute’: A vigorous variety with excellent flavor and disease resistance.
- ‘Eversweet’: Produces large, flavorful berries with a long harvest season.
- ‘Albion’: A popular choice for its sweet, juicy berries and good disease resistance.
Preparing the Container and Soil
Once you have your container and strawberry variety, it’s time to prepare for planting:
- Fill the container: Use a high-quality potting mix specifically designed for strawberries. This ensures proper drainage and provides essential nutrients.
- Amend the soil: Add a handful of compost or aged manure to the potting mix to improve soil structure and fertility.
- Create a planting mound: In the center of the container, create a mound of soil about 6 inches high. This allows for better drainage and allows the strawberry plants to spread.
Planting Your Everbearing Strawberries
Now, it’s time to plant your strawberry starts:
- Spacing: Plant your strawberry starts about 12 inches apart on the mound.
- Depth: Plant the crown of the strawberry (where the roots meet the leaves) at the soil level.
- Water thoroughly: After planting, water your strawberries deeply to settle the roots.
Providing Essential Care
To ensure your everbearing strawberries flourish, follow these care tips:
- Watering: Keep the soil consistently moist, but not waterlogged. Water deeply, allowing the excess water to drain.
- Fertilizing: Feed your strawberries with a balanced fertilizer every 4-6 weeks during the growing season.
- Mulching: Apply a layer of organic mulch, like straw or wood chips, around the plants to suppress weeds, retain moisture, and regulate soil temperature.
- Pruning: Prune off any dead or diseased leaves regularly. After harvest, trim back the foliage to encourage new growth and fruit production.
- Pest and Disease Control: Monitor your plants for pests and diseases, and take appropriate action to prevent or control them.
Harvesting Your Sweet Rewards
The beauty of everbearing strawberries is their continuous fruiting. Start harvesting when the berries are fully red and plump. Pick them gently, leaving the stem attached.
Beyond the Harvest: Enjoying Your Strawberries
Once you’ve harvested your delicious berries, there are many ways to enjoy their sweetness:
- Fresh: Eat them straight from the container for the most vibrant flavor.
- Jams and Jellies: Preserve the summer sweetness with homemade jams or jellies.
- Baked Goods: Add a touch of strawberry goodness to cakes, pies, muffins, and more.
- Smoothies and Shakes: Blend them into refreshing smoothies or shakes.
A Farewell to the Season: Winterizing Your Strawberry Plants
As the weather cools, it’s time to prepare your everbearing strawberries for winter:
- Cut back foliage: Trim back the foliage to about 2-3 inches above the crown.
- Protect from frost: If you live in a region with harsh winters, consider covering your container with a frost blanket or moving it to a sheltered location.
A Final Word: Your Strawberry Journey
Growing everbearing strawberries in containers is a rewarding experience, offering a continuous supply of sweet, juicy berries. By following these tips and providing consistent care, you can enjoy the fruits of your labor, literally, throughout the season.
Answers to Your Questions
Q: How often should I water my everbearing strawberries?
A: Water your strawberries deeply when the top inch of soil feels dry to the touch. The frequency will vary depending on the weather and container size.
Q: Can I grow everbearing strawberries in a hanging basket?
A: Yes, you can grow everbearing strawberries in hanging baskets. Choose a basket with ample drainage holes and a good quality potting mix.
Q: What is the best time to plant everbearing strawberries?
A: The best time to plant everbearing strawberries is in the spring or early summer, after the last frost.
Q: How long will my everbearing strawberries produce fruit?
A: Everbearing strawberries produce fruit for a longer period than other varieties, typically from late spring to early fall.
Q: What are some common pests that affect strawberry plants?
A: Common pests that can affect strawberry plants include aphids, spider mites, and slugs. Monitor your plants regularly and take appropriate action to control infestations.
