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Growing Strawberries in Containers

Q: I live in Oregon, in the valley, rain and sun! I am wanting to container garden strawberries. I have some ripe ones from the store, can you start them this way? I know they take a "bed", but I have seen some varieties in containers on patios. My patio gets full sun from the morning to mid afternoon. Any advice would be appreciative, especially for containers because my yard space is cramped with other trees and lawn.

Hardiness Zone: 7a

Thank you!
Camo_angels from Willamina, OR

A: Camo_angels,

Many varieties of strawberries grow wonderfully in containers, including barrels, drums or bags. Many seed companies and garden centers offer pouches or bags, complete with plants, for growing them vertically on walls and fences. Personally, I like them in hanging baskets. With their green leaves, red fruit and delicate white flowers, they're actually quite pretty. And when the juicy red fruits cascade down the sides of the basket, they are practically screaming for you to come over the pick them. Like the growing bags, baskets save on patio space and keep the fruit up off the ground and away from mold, insects and birds (mostly). Another idea is to grow them in planter boxes attached to railings or under sunny windows.

When planting in containers, use a well drained potting soil mix and plant the crowns 10 to 12 inches apart. Keep the developing runners pruned the first season to focus the plant's energy on bearing fruit. You can also remove the first set of blossoms to boost the plants size if necessary. Keep your strawberries moist (not wet) and plan on fertilizing them regularly (organic fertilizers include bone meal, fish emulsion and blood meal). Strawberries grown in containers are usually treated like annuals and discarded at the end of each season, but if protected over winter, they may last a few seasons before production falls off.

Ellen

About The Author:
Ellen Brown is our Green Living and Gardening Expert. Click here to ask Ellen a question! Ellen Brown is an environmental writer and photographer and the owner of Sustainable Media, an environmental media company that specializes in helping businesses and organizations promote eco-friendly products and services. Contact her on the web at http://www.sustainable-media.com

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