Growing your own strawberries? Use a strawberry pot!

There’s nothing quite like picking fresh, sun-ripened strawberries from your own garden or balcony. The good news is that growing strawberries in pots is easy, rewarding, and perfect for small outdoor spaces. Whether you're planting strawberries in pots for the first time or looking for tips on caring for strawberry plants in pots, this guide will help you enjoy a delicious harvest.

Planting Strawberry Plants In Pots

Successfully growing strawberries in containers starts with choosing the right pot and soil. Fill your elho stawberry pot with a light, well-draining potting compost or a high-quality peat-free potting compost for strawberries. Mixing in a little compost can further improve fertility and support healthy growth.

When planting strawberry plants in pots, place one strawberry plant in a pot and ensure the crown sits just above the soil surface. Planting too deeply can cause rot, while exposed roots may dry out and damage the plant. Whether you're planting strawberries in a dedicated strawberry planter or a standard container, proper planting is key to healthy growth.

For the best results, position your strawberry plants in pots in a sunny location. The more sunlight they receive, the more flowers and fruit they will produce.

Watering Strawberry Plants

One of the most common questions is: how much water does a strawberry plant need?

Keep the potting soil evenly moist. Strawberries in pots dry out faster than those in the ground, so regular watering is essential. However, avoid over-watering, as this can lead to root rot and watery-tasting fruit. 

When watering strawberry plants, avoid letting the soil become completely dry. At the same time, overwatering can lead to root rot and reduce fruit quality. Properly watering strawberries means maintaining evenly moist soil without leaving the roots sitting in water.

The strawberry pot includes a convenient watering opening at the bottom. By watering strawberries from below, the roots grow deeper in search of moisture. This creates stronger, healthier plants that are more resistant to drought and disease.

green basics strawberry pot – living black - sfeerbeeld

Feeding Strawberry Plants in Containers

Add a long-acting, organic fertiliser to stimulate growth. Often, this is already included in the potting soil, so you don't need to add anything for the first three months. After that, you can add organic fertilisers once a year when flowering begins. Choose a fertiliser rich in potassium, as this promotes the growth of fruit and better-tasting strawberries.

Protecting Your Strawberry Plants

Strawberries are not only loved by humans but also by mice and birds. While mice are less likely to reach strawberries grown in pots, birds can devour much of your harvest. To protect your plants, you can cover them with a cloche made of chicken wire. Avoid nets, as birds can become entangled in them.

Different Varieties

Growing different varieties is a great way to extend your harvest season. Whether you're growing strawberries in containers on a patio, balcony, or in the garden, these varieties perform well:
  • Snow White – small, sweet white strawberries (harvest time June)
  • Lambada – delicious sweet strawberry with lower yield (harvest time May – June)
  • Korona – tasty and sweet, medium-sized with high yield (harvest time June)
  • Ostara – small but productive and sweet strawberries (harvest time June – September)
  • Furore – high yield and delicious taste (harvest time June – September)


green basics strawberry pot – living black - closeup

Harvesting

Strawberries do not ripen further after being picked. Leave them on the plant until they are deep red and slightly soft to the touch. Strawberries warmed by the sun taste fantastic. Store the strawberries in the fridge and wash them just before eating to retain their freshness. They are best consumed within a few days. If you have an abundance of strawberries, freeze them by removing the stems and placing them flat in a resealable bag in the freezer. Frozen strawberries are ideal for smoothies or making delicious jam!


Making strawberry jam

What you need:

  • 500 grams of strawberries
  • 250 grams of cane sugar
  • 2 gelatin sheets or 2 grams of Agar Agar (plant-based)
  • 1 tablespoon of lemon juice (for longer shelf life)

Preparation:

  1. Wash the strawberries, remove the stems, and cut them into small pieces.
  2. Put the strawberries, sugar, and lemon juice in a large pan. Heat the mixture over medium heat, stirring regularly until the sugar has dissolved.
  3. Use a wooden spoon to mash the strawberries while cooking for a smooth jam, or leave small pieces for a chunky jam.
  4. Bring the mixture to a boil and let it simmer for 10-15 minutes, stirring regularly to prevent burning.
  5. Pour the hot jam into clean (sterilised) jars and screw the lids on tightly.
  6. Let the jars cool. They will keep for 3-6 months this way. After opening, store in the fridge.

Who is Floor?

Floor Korte, better known as Floors Moestuin, is expert in the field of vegetable gardening. For a number of years now, she has gotten to grips with the vegetable garden virus and grows her own vegetables, herbs and fruit in her own garden every year. Not only does she inspire others with her vegetable garden passion on her own Dutch blog Floors Moestuin and Instagram page, she also has written 2 books about sustainable (vegetable)gardening.

Picture: Arkenbout Photography