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.
Strawberry plants grown in hanging baskets make for a fun, decorative way to grow your own juicy, sweet berries right at home. With the proper care and selection of variety, hanging baskets can produce an abundant harvest of strawberries throughout the growing season. Here’s a complete guide to successfully growing strawberry plants in hanging baskets.
Why Grow Strawberries in Hanging Baskets?
There are many great reasons to grow strawberries in hanging baskets:
-
Hanging baskets keep strawberry plants off the ground, reducing disease and pests. Strawberries are prone to soil-borne diseases and can be nibbled by slugs or other critters when grown at ground level.
-
Excellent drainage and airflow from being elevated in a hanging basket Strawberries hate soggy roots
-
Allow growing strawberries even if space is limited. Hanging baskets work perfectly for patios balconies, and small yards.
-
Prevent runners from taking over. Strawberry runners can spread out of control in garden beds, but are contained in a hanging basket.
-
Easy to move for frost protection. Baskets can be brought indoors or moved under cover when cold weather threatens.
-
Convenient harvesting at waist or chest height, no more sore backs!
Tips for Growing Strawberries in Hanging Baskets
Follow these tips to successfully grow strawberries in hanging baskets:
Use the Right Container
-
Use hanging baskets at least 12″ wide x 8-10″ deep for mature plants. Bigger is fine too.
-
Make sure the container has good drainage holes. Add an outer drip tray if needed.
-
Lightweight plastic or resin hanging baskets work well. Make sure any metal baskets are lined with plastic.
Choose a Suitable Strawberry Variety
-
Day-neutral varieties like Tristar and Tribute produce berries all season, perfect for baskets.
-
Alpine strawberries are compact and great for hanging baskets.
-
Avoid June-bearing types like Earliglow or Kent. They only bear for 2-3 weeks.
Use a Well-Draining Potting Mix
-
Use a commercial potting soil or make your own mix.
-
Aim for 1/3 peat moss or coco coir, 1/3 compost, and 1/3 perlite or vermiculite.
Give Plants Plenty of Sun and Water
-
Hang baskets in a spot with at least 6 hours of direct sunlight per day.
-
Check soil daily and water when the top inch becomes dry. Don’t let plants wilt.
-
Water gently, aiming for the soil not the plants. Wet foliage leads to disease.
Fertilize Regularly
-
Monthly feedings with a balanced fertilizer keeps plants thriving.
-
Fish emulsion or compost tea also provides nutrients.
-
Potted plants are more prone to nutrient deficiencies than in-ground plants.
Manage Runners and Flower Trusses
-
Snip off runners to promote more flowers and fruit.
-
Cut off the first flush of flowers to allow plants to establish.
Protect from Frost and Extreme Heat
-
Move hanging baskets to a sheltered location or indoors if frost is coming.
-
Provide shade and mist plants on extremely hot days if possible.
Supplies for Planting Strawberries in Hanging Pots
No surprises here: In addition to strawberry plants, you need a hanging basket and soil.
Opt for a pot with drainage holes — strawberry plants dont like to sit in wet soil. Plastic pots are a smart choice, as terra cotta drys out faster and may break if the pot falls. You can also use a self-watering hanging basket to keep you from reaching overhead for water quite as often.
Ensure you use soil designed specifically for containers with the right balance of ingredients to support drainage. Burpee Organic Potting Mix contains perlite, which helps drainage even further. Using everyday garden soil in pots can lead to soggy (and unhappy) plants and potential bacteria and fungi.
Best Strawberries for Hanging Baskets
Those big, juicy berries youre used to seeing at the grocery store need plenty of space to stretch, so growing strawberries in hanging containers requires thinking outside the plastic produce box. Luckily, many smaller, highly productive strawberry varieties perform well in baskets.
The key is to look for varieties that grow few runners, and instead opt for those that put more of the plants energy into fruit production. In general, avoid long-reaching Junebearing strawberries, and search instead for Alpine or day-neutral varieties.
Top basket-worthy strawberry plants to shop include:
Hanging Basket Strawberries!
FAQ
Can strawberries be planted in hanging baskets?
A hanging basket is an ideal environment for growing strawberries. It helps prevent insect infestations, soil borne diseases, and can even keep pesky wildlife at bay if you place your pot in the right location.
What variety of strawberries is best for hanging baskets?
With its vigorous growth and prolific fruit production, ‘Ruegen’ Alpine strawberries are a popular choice for hanging baskets.Apr 15, 2024
Do strawberry plants need sun or shade?
Strawberries need full sun to produce maximum fruit. Space plants 12 to 18 inches apart. Strawberries are self-fertile, but require bees for pollination. Remove some of the runners throughout the season or your strawberry plants will take over your yard.
What not to plant next to strawberries?
- Tomatoes: They are prone to verticillium wilt, a fungus that can spread to strawberries.
- Eggplant: They are also prone to verticillium wilt.
- Potatoes: Spuds have the same issue as eggplants and tomatoes—they can get verticillium wilt.