If you want to grow strawberries but are short on space or simply not ready to commit to a full bed (we totally understand!), growing strawberries in hanging containers is the perfect solution. With a few simple steps and a little knowledge, youll be ready to pot a hanging basket thats equal parts beautiful and functional. Heres everything you need to know to grow a luscious, productive strawberry harvest in a compact space.
Strawberries are a delicious and rewarding fruit to grow. While traditional in-ground gardens work well, growing strawberries in hanging baskets offers some unique benefits. Hanging baskets keep your strawberries tidy contained and easy to care for. With the right varieties and proper care, you can enjoy homegrown strawberries all season long.
Why Grow Strawberries in Hanging Baskets?
Growing strawberries in hanging baskets has several advantages
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Hanging baskets allow you to grow strawberries even if you don’t have much yard space. They are perfect for small patios, balconies, and porches.
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Baskets keep strawberry plants neat and contained. Strawberries can spread out of control in garden beds.
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It’s easier to protect your strawberries from pests like slugs and snails when they are up in baskets.
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You can move the baskets around to give your strawberries the best sun exposure.
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The baskets provide good airflow and drainage, which strawberries need to thrive.
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It’s convenient to care for and harvest your strawberry plants when they are at waist level in hanging baskets. No more bending over!
Choosing the Right Strawberry Varieties
The most important factor in growing successful hanging strawberries is choosing the right varieties.
Day-neutral varieties are the best performers in hanging baskets. These strawberries produce fruit throughout the growing season, not just in early summer like June-bearing types. Good day-neutral options include Tribute, Tristar, Seascape, and Evie 2.
Alpine strawberries are another excellent choice. These produce small but incredibly sweet berries from spring through fall. Alpine strawberries are compact, making them perfect for baskets.
Other suitable varieties include Fort Laramie, Quinault, and Ozark Beauty. Steer clear of heavy runner producers, which can overwhelm a hanging basket.
Preparing Your Hanging Baskets
You’ll need a hanging basket at least 10-12 inches wide and 8 inches deep for each strawberry plant. The basket must have drainage holes in the bottom.
An all-purpose potting mix amended with compost or organic fertilizer provides ideal growing medium. Strawberries like slightly acidic conditions, with a pH between 5.5-6.5.
Plant your strawberries at the same depth they were growing in their nursery pots. Leave 6 inches between plants in the basket.
Place a saucer under the basket to catch drainage water. You don’t want excess water dripping onto surfaces below.
Caring for Hanging Strawberry Plants
With the right care, your hanging strawberry plants will reward you with sweet, juicy berries! Follow these tips:
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Site baskets in full sun – at least 6 hours per day. Move them around as needed to maximize sunlight.
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Water regularly, taking care not to oversaturate the soil. Let the top inch dry between waterings.
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Fertilize monthly with a balanced organic fertilizer. Strawberries are heavy feeders.
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Remove runners promptly so plants focus energy on fruit production rather than new growth.
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Protect plants from frost and freezing weather by moving baskets to a sheltered spot.
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Pick berries when fully red, leaving caps on for longest shelf life.
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Refresh soil and repot plants each year for best results. Hanging strawberries will produce for about 3 years.
Troubleshooting Common Problems
Growing strawberries in hanging baskets is relatively problem-free, but watch for these potential issues:
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Mold or mildew – Improve air circulation and avoid wetting foliage when watering.
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Drooping leaves – Usually a sign of inadequate watering. Feel soil to determine if basket needs water.
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Poor fruit set – Ensure plants get sufficient sunlight and pollination from bees or wind.
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Misshapen berries – Caused by inadequate pollination. Introduce a small fan to improve pollen distribution.
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Pests – Aphids, mites, slugs. Treat organically with insecticidal soap, neem oil, or diatomaceous earth.
With the right care and conditions, growing strawberries in hanging baskets is an easy way to enjoy homegrown berries even in a small space. The baskets keep plants tidy and make harvesting a breeze. Just be sure to select suitable runner-free varieties, provide ample sunlight and water, and regularly fertilize your plants. In no time, you’ll be enjoying your own sweet, juicy strawberries fresh from the hanging garden.
Watering & Mulching
Strawberry plants require consistent moisture but should not be saturated. Water when the top of the soil is dry. Check them daily because their shallow roots will dry out quickly. They may need water twice a day in warmer areas.
Mulch strawberry plants to help keep soil moist. But be careful not to spread any mulch on top of the crowns or rot may occur. Mulch also helps prevent disease by keeping fruit off the soil. When watering, try not to get the fruit wet to prevent strawberries rotting on the vine. ( credit: Alamy)
How to Grow Hanging Basket Strawberries
Growing strawberry plants in hanging baskets begins with a large basket. Choose a container that is at least 12 inches (30 cm) wide and 8 to 10 inches (20 to 25 cm) deep to accommodate growing plants.
Well-draining soil is also very important. A good, commercial mix works well or you can make your own DIY potting mix. Combine two parts compost, two parts coco coir or some other peat alternative, and one part perlite or vermiculite. ( credit: CreativeI / Getty s)
Plant your chosen strawberry varieties in early spring in your prepared containers. Place in the soil at the same height as they were in their nursery pots. Plants that are set too deeply may develop crown rot.
You can fit about four nursery sized plants in a 12 to 14 inch (30 to 36 cm) wide hanging basket. Strawberry plants typically grow 6 inches (15 cm) to 12 inches (30 cm) tall. Be sure to remove any runners that emerge.
Ideally, set the strawberry plants in the spring. If possible, locate hanging basket strawberries near spring blooming flowers that attract bees—a necessary pollinator for strawberries to set fruit. Position the hanging strawberry plants closer together than you would in the garden.
If your potting mix does not contain fertilizer, add a balanced fertilizer such as 16-16-16 or 20-20-20 after planting. Strawberries are heavy feeders so fertilize two to three times during the season. Due to the rather limited amount of nutrients in the small planter, strawberry hanging baskets require regular fertilization—about once a month until blooming.
You can use either granular or liquid fertilizer. Granular fertilizers release the nutrients more slowly so you do not need to reapply this type as often as a liquid fertilizer. Follow the instructions on the package.
Hanging Basket Strawberries!
FAQ
Do strawberries grow well in hanging baskets?
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Gardening Know Howhttps://www.gardeningknowhow.comGrow A Strawberry Hanging Basket For Fresh Fruit AnywhereFeb 20, 2025 — The biggest benefit of growing strawberries in hanging baskets, however, is that even gardeners with small spaces can cultivate this quintessential …
How many strawberries can you put in a hanging basket?
Hanging Baskets
Are a wonderful and novel way of growing strawberries! They make a very attractive feature and of course take up no garden space at all. A standard 12” hanging basket can incorporate three or 4 plants.
How to protect strawberries in hanging baskets from birds?
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Purpose:This is the most reliable method to prevent bird access to your strawberries.
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How to use:
- Create a frame around the hanging basket or use a floating row cover.
- Support the netting on the frame with stakes and upside-down flower pots.
- Ensure the netting covers the entire basket and extends down to the ground.
- Fine mesh netting is recommended for optimal protection.
- Create a frame around the hanging basket or use a floating row cover.
What to do with hanging strawberry runners?
You can cut strawberry runners from the plant you love and keep them in a small water-filled container such as a shot glass or even a single stem vase, replacing the water as needed. This will keep the plant alive until you’re ready to plant which might be months away.