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Growing Strawberries In Containers
Growing strawberries in pots is very easy. Strawberries grow remarkably well in all types of containers. Many nurseries even sell special bags that have multiple pouches for growing strawberries, then the bags hang on a wall! They grow very well in many locations, as long as their basic needs are met.
Strawberries are perennials, but only produce well for about three years. The produce the first year, but may produce more fruit, as well as higher-quality fruit, during their second year. So you might consider just replacing your plants every two years.
There are two main types of strawberry plants. June-bearing strawberries usually produce one large crop of fruit between late may and late June. Everbearing strawberries don't actually bear fruit continuously, but usually have two crop of berries - one in early summer, and another in late summer. A third type is called day-neutral, and is typically combined into the group with everbearing berries. They produce a continuous crop all summer long, but their crops are light. Actually, there is a fourth group known as the Alpine strawberry. It doesn't produce runners like other strawberry plants, and produces a ligt crop of small, very sweet and highly-flavorfuil fruits. They also look beautiful, and make nice window box plants.
Strawberries are typically sold in small plastic containers. They can be easily transferred to their home pots. Containers should be at least 8 inches deep, and 10 or 12 inches deep wouldn't hurt. If you choose to using hanging baskets, they should be at least 12 inches wide.
Fill the container with a good potting mix, then place the plant so that the area where the leaves start to grow is even with the soil surface. Even out the soil around the plant, then water thoroughly. The roots should be well covered with soil, but be careful not to put soil up over the crown, which is the spot where the leaves begin to grow.
There isn't a lot of care that goes into strawberries. They are one of the easiest fruits to grow, and almost take care of themselves. They do need regular watering, and should be fertilized once per month, or every two weeks if you can. A fertilizer with a 1:2:1 ratio that is made for flowers or vegetables is great for strawberries.
The only problem you are likely to have to deal with is slugs. If you have your containers at ground level, they will be especially susceptible to these pests. If you line the top of your containers around the outside with copper tubing or strips, you probably won't have a lot of trouble with them. If birds start to eat your berries, you can cover the plants with netting.
Harvest berries when they look bright red. There should be no green left on the berries when you pick them. Since they grow in clusters, you need to be careful not to damage the other nearby berries when you pick the ripe ones.
Pretty much all varieties of strawberries grow equally well in containers. Simply pick the variety that you think you will like best, and make sure it is suited to your area.
Northwestern gardeners might like the june-bearing variety called Hood.
Northeast and Mid-Atlantic gardeners should try Allstar.
A variety that does well in all regions is called Tristar. |
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