What do you plant in a strawberry pot?

When it comes to growing strawberries, there's a wide variety of options available. You can grow strawberries in the ground, in raised beds, or even in hanging baskets. However, if you're short on space, one of the best options is a strawberry pot. These unique containers allow you to grow strawberries vertically, which can be ideal for small patios or balconies. But what exactly should you plant in a strawberry pot? Let's take a closer look.

Strawberry Varieties for Pots

The first thing to consider when planting a strawberry pot is the type of strawberry you want to grow. While most strawberry varieties can be grown in pots, some are better suited than others. For example, alpine strawberries are a popular choice because they're smaller and produce more fruit than standard varieties. Other good options include day-neutral strawberries, which produce fruit throughout the growing season, and everbearing strawberries, which produce fruit twice a year.

Companion Plants for Strawberries

One of the benefits of planting strawberries in a pot is that you can also grow companion plants alongside them. Companion planting involves planting different plants together that benefit each other in some way. For example, planting chives, garlic, or onion alongside strawberries is thought to help deter insects and protect the plants from disease. Other good companion plants for strawberries include marigolds, borage, and thyme.

Soil and Fertilizer for Strawberry Pots

When planting strawberries in a pot, it's important to choose the right soil and fertilizer. Use a high-quality potting mix that's designed for strawberries or other fruiting plants. This type of soil will provide the right nutrients and drainage for your plants. You can also add some slow-release fertilizer to the soil to ensure that your strawberries get the nutrients they need throughout the growing season.

Caring for Strawberry Pots

Once you've planted your strawberries in a pot, it's important to care for them properly. One advantage of growing strawberries in a pot is that they're less prone to pests and diseases than plants grown in the ground. However, you still need to water them regularly and make sure they get plenty of sunshine. You should also remove any runners that grow from the plant, as these can sap energy away from the main plant and reduce fruit production.

Harvesting Strawberries from Pots

When it comes time to harvest your strawberries, simply pick the ripe fruit off the plant. Try to harvest them in the morning when they're at their sweetest, and avoid getting the fruit wet as this can cause it to spoil more quickly. If you have more strawberries than you can eat, you can freeze them for later use or make preserves or jam.

In conclusion, planting strawberries in a pot is a great way to grow your own fruit even if you have limited space. By choosing the right varieties, companion plants, soil, and fertilizer, you can ensure that your strawberries thrive and produce delicious fruit throughout the growing season.