Growing Strawberries in Pots
- Pepperpot Nursery
- Apr 10
- 5 min read
A Simple Guide for UK Gardeners
Strawberries are one of the simplest and quickest of all fruits to grow, and you don't even need a big garden to produce your own crop of delicious fruit.
Whether you have a small garden, a patio, or a balcony, container-grown strawberries thrive well with the proper care.
In this guide, you will learn when is the best time to plant strawberries in the UK. You will also learn how to keep your strawberry plants healthy and where to find top-quality strawberry plants each spring.
Growing Strawberries in Pots. Article outline:
1. Bare-Root Runners vs. Potted Strawberry Plants.
When growing strawberries, you’ll come across two main types of strawberry plants: bare-root runners and potted strawberry plants.
Bare-root runners are young strawberry plants grown in the ground, then lifted and sold without soil around their roots.
On the other hand, potted strawberry plants are actively growing when sold. They offer the advantage of quicker establishment and, in many cases, fruiting within the first season. Potted plants are perfect for those who want an instant strawberry patch, while bare-root runners are great for long-term, high-yield growth.
2. Do Strawberries Do Well in Pots?
If you belong to the people wondering whether it is a good idea to start growing strawberries in pots, we can assure you that, yes. It is a good idea.
Why?
It is mainly because strawberries have shallow root systems, so they don’t need deep soil. Strawberry plants, when planted in pots with drainage holes that prevent excess water, are happy even if their roots grow into each other's space. Moreover, any strawberry plant can be potted up in a container, whether a small or a larger pot or a pallet planter.
Growing strawberries in pots also helps protect them from soil-borne diseases and pests, making maintenance easier. In addition to the above, it is worth mentioning that pots warm up faster in spring than garden soil, encouraging earlier growth and potentially earlier fruiting.
3. When to Plant Strawberries in Pots in the UK.
The best time to plant strawberries in pots depends on whether you're using bare-root runners or potted plants. For those who prefer a quicker harvest, potted strawberry plants can be planted in early spring as soon as the risk of hard frost has passed. March to April is an ideal time, as the plants have an entire growing season ahead, which is good to establish themselves and start flowering.
Planting bare-root strawberry runners in autumn gives them plenty of time to establish strong roots before winter. Though they won’t produce fruit immediately, these plants will be more vigorous in spring and give a better harvest the following summer. Keep them in a sheltered, frost-free area or insulate pots with fleece to prevent root damage during harsh winter conditions.
4. How to Plant Strawberries in Containers.
Choose your strawberry variety
There are many different varieties of strawberry plants, each with unique characteristics. To help you decide, we’ve put together a detailed guide to buying strawberry plants.
Pick the right pot
A container at least 20cm deep with drainage holes works best. Hanging baskets and strawberry planters are also great options. Choose the ones with inner liners. Prepare them by carefully making holes to allow excess water to drain away.
Use quality compost
A mix of multi-purpose compost with added perlite or grit ensures good drainage.
Planting depth
Position the crown (the part where the leaves meet the roots) just above the soil level, so the plants aren't buried too deep.
Spacing
Allow at least 25cm between plants to prevent overcrowding.
Water well
After planting, water thoroughly and place the pot in a sunny, sheltered spot. Keep moist at all times. Flowering should start within a few weeks, and you will be able to enjoy some fruits about two months after planting.
5. Caring for Potted Strawberries.
Strawberries grown in pots need the right balance of sunlight, water, nutrients, and protection to thrive. With proper care, container-grown plants can produce abundant, sweet fruit for several years.
As mentioned above, one of the most important factors for healthy strawberry plants is sunlight. These fruits love warmth and need at least a few hours of direct sun each day to develop their full sweetness. A south-facing patio, balcony, or windowsill is ideal. If you do not provide enough sunlight, strawberries may still grow, but their fruit will be smaller and less flavourful.
Watering is also key to success. While strawberries prefer moist soil, overwatering can lead to root rot and fungal diseases. To maintain the right balance, water the plants in the morning so you give the soil a chance to dry slightly during the day. This helps prevent mould and mildew, which can spread in damp conditions.
Always check the top layer of soil before watering. If it feels dry to the touch, it's time to water.
As strawberries begin to flower, they require extra nutrients to support fruit development. Feeding them with a high-potassium fertiliser, such as tomato feed, every two weeks will promote bigger, juicier berries. Mulching the soil surface with straw or bark is another useful trick, as it helps retain moisture, suppress weeds, and prevents soil from splashing onto the fruit. This is particularly helpful for keeping strawberries clean and free from rot as they ripen.
Tip: Please note that any flowers that appear in October can't produce ripe fruits. It is a good practice to pinch these off as soon as you spot them.
Slugs and snails are common troublemakers, often nibbling on young leaves and fruit. Placing copper tape around the rims of pots or using organic slug pellets can help deter them. Birds, particularly blackbirds and pigeons, love ripe strawberries just as much as we do. To prevent them from feasting on your harvest, cover plants with netting once the fruit starts to develop.
6. Growing Strawberries in Pots. Summary.
Growing strawberries in pots is a fantastic way to enjoy fresh fruit at home, even with limited space. For the best results start with strong, healthy plants. By planting at the right time, choosing the right container, and providing good care, you’ll be rewarded with delicious, homegrown berries.
At Pepperpot Herb Nursery, we take great care in growing high-quality strawberry plants that are suitable for container gardening. Every spring, we offer a carefully selected range of robust, well-established plants. If you're looking for reliable, thriving strawberry plants to get your container garden off to the best possible start, visit our online store today.
FAQs
1. Can I grow strawberries indoors?
Yes, but they need plenty of sunlight. A south-facing windowsill or grow lights can help.
2. How many strawberry plants do I need?
For a steady supply, 4–6 plants per person is a good rule of thumb.
3. Do strawberries come back every year?
Strawberry plants are perennial and will produce fruit for three to four years with proper care.
4. Can I grow strawberries in hanging baskets?
Hanging baskets are a great way to grow strawberries, keeping the fruit off the ground and away from pests. Just make sure to water them regularly, as baskets dry out faster than traditional pots.
5. Should I remove runners from my potted strawberries?
Yes, unless you want to propagate new plants. Removing runners redirects the plant’s energy into producing larger, sweeter strawberries instead of growing new plantlets.
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