Friends, imagine this: you are standing on your balcony, and there are juicy, red strawberries hanging in front of you, all grown by you! No soil dirty, no effort to bend down—just reach out and pick fresh strawberries. I am growing 'Seascape' strawberries in my GreenStalk vertical garden in my greenhouse, and believe me, the experience is nothing short of magical. Today I will tell you how to grow strawberries in a vertical garden, along with some easy tips I have learned over the years. Whether you have a small balcony or a large greenhouse, this guide is for you.
Why Grow Strawberries in a Container?
Growing strawberries in containers is like giving your plants a loving home where they will happily produce fruit. Hear why I love tips for growing strawberries in vertical planters:
- Easy picking: No need to reach down to the ground! In a vertical garden like Best containers for growing strawberries at home, strawberries are grown at a height that you can just reach out and pick. My kids find it fun to pick them!
- Space saving: Lots of plants in a small space. My GreenStalk has 30 pockets—that’s 30 plants in just a few feet of space when planting strawberries in a GreenStalk planter!
- Cleaner fruit: Being above the ground keeps the fruit from getting dirty, less pests, and less fear of rotting in wet soil.
- Flexibility: Whether it’s a balcony, patio, or greenhouse, growing strawberries on a balcony is easy. With a rotating base, every plant gets equal sunlight.
I planted 'Seascape' strawberries in the spring this year, and man, they are doing great! Producing lots of fruit, even though they put out so many strawberry runners. Now I'm filling another vertical garden with them. Check out our vertical gardening tools that make it so much easier.
How to choose the right container
It is important to choose the best way to plant strawberries in containers. Strawberries do not have very deep roots, so a deep pot is not required, but a place is needed where every plant can breathe freely. Things to keep in mind:
- Vertical garden: I use the GreenStalk vertical planter setup, which has 30 pockets. It's lightweight, easy to water, and grows lots of strawberries in a small space. The fruit hangs over the edge, making picking easier.
- Traditional strawberry pot: Clay or ceramic pots with small pockets. These are heavy and small, with 9-10 holes, perfect for small setups.
- Plant spacing: Space each plant about a foot (10-12 inches) apart for light, air, and nutrition, according to vertical gardening tips. No more than 4 plants per square foot.
Tip: Short on space? Consider planting strawberries in a GreenStalk planter. It saves space and looks fun! Get more tips in our container gardening guide.
Choose the right strawberry variety
Not all strawberries are the same. Growing ever-bearing strawberries in pots requires the right variety:
- Ever-bearing varieties: Best for containers. These bear fruit all season, meaning fresh strawberries again and again. I planted 'Seascape', which is bearing fruit even in summer.
- June-bearing varieties: Bear lots of fruit in a short period, then stop. Avoid these for all-season fruit.
Ever-bearing strawberry varieties withstand temperature fluctuations and produce fruit all season long, perfect for home gardeners.
Water and soil care
How to care for strawberries in a vertical garden Pay special attention to water and soil. Strawberries need constant moisture, but not wet roots:
- Watering: I water my vertical garden once a day, even in the heat. GreenStalk's water trays deliver water to every pocket. Just a minute's work! In-ground plants are fine to water every other day with drip irrigation.
- Soil pH: Strawberries like slightly acidic soil (low pH). More alkaline soil can cause yellowing of the leaves. I occasionally add chelated iron or a soil acidifier. For Best soil for strawberries in containers, see the RHS guide.
- Drainage: Good drainage is essential in containers. GreenStalk's design makes this easy.
Create new plants from runners
How to manage strawberry runners in vertical gardens Strawberries are special. It's fun to create new plants from runners:
- Understand the runners: Runners produce tiny plantlets that take their nutrition from the mother plant. Cut off most of the runners for more fruit, but leave a few for new plants.
- Let them take root: Bring the runners into contact with the soil, they will form roots. I pinned the runners to nearby soil on GreenStalk. Roots formed in 4-6 weeks, then cut them off.
- Pinning method: Use landscape staples to anchor the runners into the soil. No need to bury the plant deep, just keep it in contact.
Tip: Don't have a vertical garden? Pin runners into small pots. The mother plant will continue to nourish the baby.
Use of fertilizer
Fertilizer is a must in strawberry plant care in pots. I use Berry Tone Fertilizer:
- When to apply: Twice a year—early and late spring. I applied when I planted, and am applying again now to extend the season in the greenhouse.
- How to apply: Sprinkle a little fertilizer into each pocket and water in. Do not apply to new runners yet.
Caring for Strawberries in Winter
How to overwinter strawberries in containers requires attention. Strawberries need a rest in the cold:
- In mild climates: Place the container on a south side of the home that receives sunlight and warmth.
- In cold climates: Move to a shed or garage. Lighting is not needed in winter, as the plant is dormant. See University of California guide.
“I grew strawberries on my balcony with GreenStalk. The kids run to pick the fruits every morning. It's so easy and fun!”
FAQ: Common strawberry growing questions
Q: What is the best container for growing strawberries in a vertical garden?
A: The GreenStalk Vertical Garden is best for small spaces with 30 pockets.
Q: How often should I water strawberries?
A: Once a day in the summer, and every other day in the ground with drip irrigation.
Q: How to care for container strawberries in the winter?
A: In cold climates keep in a shed or garage, or cover with straw.।