How to Care for Everbearing Strawberries Plant in a Pot

Everbearing strawberries are the perfect plant for those who love strawberries but do not have the space for a full garden. These plants can be grown in pots, and will provide a steady stream of fruit throughout the growing season. However, growing everbearing strawberries in a pot requires a different level of care compared to growing them in a garden. In this article, we'll show you how to care for everbearing strawberries plant in a pot.

Choosing the Right Pot

First things first, you need to choose the right pot for your everbearing strawberries. The pot you choose should be at least 12 inches in diameter and at least 8 inches deep. A shallow pot will not provide enough room for the roots to grow, and the plant will not thrive. Additionally, you'll want to make sure that the pot has proper drainage holes to prevent the soil from becoming waterlogged.

Soil and Fertilizer

Everbearing strawberries need well-draining, nutrient-rich soil to thrive. When planting your strawberries, fill the pot with soil that is a mix of peat moss, perlite, and vermiculite. This soil mix will ensure that the roots have enough air and water to grow properly.

To keep your everbearing strawberries healthy, you'll need to fertilize them regularly. Start by adding a slow-release fertilizer when you plant the strawberries in the pot. After that, fertilize them every four to six weeks throughout the growing season.

Watering

Watering is critical when it comes to growing plants in pots, and everbearing strawberries are no exception. During the growing season, you should water your strawberries at least once a week. However, be careful not to over-water them. Soggy soil can lead to root rot, which can kill the plant. To check if the soil is dry, stick your finger about an inch into the soil. If it's dry, it's time to water the plant.

Sunlight

Everbearing strawberries need full sun to grow and produce fruit. Choose a spot in your home that gets at least six hours of sunlight a day. If your home receives less than six hours of sun a day, consider using a grow light to supplement the natural light.

Pruning

Pruning is essential to keep your everbearing strawberries healthy and producing fruit. Begin pruning at the end of the growing season, once the plant has stopped producing fruit. Cut off all of the leaves and runners, leaving only about an inch of stem attached to the plant. This will help the plant conserve energy and prepare for the next growing season.

Final Thoughts

Growing everbearing strawberries in a pot can be a rewarding experience. With proper care, you'll have a steady supply of fresh strawberries throughout the growing season. Remember to choose the right pot, use well-draining soil, fertilize regularly, water correctly, provide the necessary amount of sunlight, and don't forget to prune your plants. Happy growing!