Introduction

Potted strawberry plants are a great addition to any garden, especially if you don't have enough space for a full-sized strawberry patch. However, when winter comes around, you need to take special care of your potted strawberry plants to ensure they survive until spring. In this article, we'll go over some tips and tricks for what to do with potted strawberry plants in the winter.

Preparing for Winter

The first step in taking care of your potted strawberry plants in the winter is to prepare them for the upcoming cold weather. This includes a few key tasks:

Stop Fertilizing: When fall arrives, stop fertilizing your strawberry plants. This will allow the plants to harden off and prepare for the cold weather.

Reduce Watering: As the weather gets colder, reduce the amount of watering you do. Water the plants just enough to keep the soil slightly moist but not waterlogged.

Protect from Frost: If your area is prone to frost, move your strawberry plants to a sheltered area where they will be protected from the frost. Alternatively, you can cover them with frost blankets to protect them.

Overwintering Indoors

If the winters in your area are particularly harsh, you may want to consider overwintering your potted strawberry plants indoors. Here's how:

Trim Back: In late fall, trim back the leaves of your plants to about 1-2 inches above the soil line. This will help reduce the amount of water the plants lose through evapotranspiration.

Reduce Light: Place your strawberry plants in a cool, dark area of your home where they will receive little to no light. This will help them go into dormancy.

Water Sparingly: Water your plants sparingly, just enough to keep the soil slightly moist but not waterlogged. Too much water can lead to root rot.

Keep Cool: Keep your plants in a cool area of your home, ideally between 35-45°F (1.5-7°C). This will help them go into dormancy and prepare for spring.

Spring Care

When spring arrives, it's time to start thinking about getting your potted strawberry plants back outdoors. Here's what you need to do:

Move Outdoors: Once the danger of frost has passed, move your plants back outdoors.

Remove Protective Coverings: If you covered your plants with frost blankets, remove them once the danger of frost has passed.

Fertilize: Start fertilizing your plants again in early spring to help them start growing again.

Water Regularly: As the weather warms up, start watering your plants more regularly again.

Conclusion

Potted strawberry plants are a great addition to any garden, but they do require special care to survive through the winter. By preparing your plants properly, overwintering them indoors (if necessary), and giving them the proper care come spring, you can keep your potted strawberry plants healthy year after year.