Can strawberries thrive in containers versus garden beds?
Written by
Paul Reynolds
Reviewed by
Prof. Martin Thorne, Ph.D.Growing strawberries in or containers and garden beds will depend on your space and your goals. Beyond my urban balcony, I've produced 15 alpine plants in hanging baskets that have thrived for over three years, with minimal pests. Bed growing, produces greater quantities, but implies more pest management and soil maintenance.
Container Benefits
- Drainage control: Prevent waterlogging with holes
- Pest reduction: Elevate pots to deter slugs
- Mobility: Shift plants for optimal sun
Ground Planting Advantages
- Space for runners: June-bearing types need 18" spacing
- Higher yields: 5+ lbs per plant annually
- Lower maintenance: Less frequent watering
The quality of the soil can make or break your strawberry plants in containers. I mix 3 parts potting soil, 1 part compost, and 1 part perlite. A mixture like this prevented root rot for me in my very clay-heavy area. Ground beds normally benefit from a year of compost piling up each year because heavy feeders will deplete nutrients.
Container Mix
- Potting soil: 50%
- Compost: 30%
- Perlite/sand: 20%
Ground Bed Prep
- Compost: 4" layer yearly
- pH adjusters: Lime/sulfur per test
- Mulch: Straw for weed control
The climate of your area will dictate your farming strategy. In hot zones, I would employ the use of terra cotta planters as their porous nature allows roots to cool. Northern growers should use dark plastic containers to absorb heat. A trial in Arizona showed plants in shaded containers had a 30% greater yield than the plants grown in sunbaked ground beds.
Try vertical stacks for a small area. My 4-tier planter holds 20 alpine plants in only 3 sq ft - production is comparable to a ground bed that is 10' x 4'. Cycle pots once a week to even out sun exposure. Keep away from glazed ceramics, as they retain moisture causing the strawberry roots to die.
Read the full article: How to Grow Strawberries: A Complete Step-by-Step Guide
