PlantyBoxPot and soil
Troughs at least 20 cm (8 in) deep with plants 25-30 cm (10-12 in) apart, or 15-20 cm pots, one per plant. Slightly acidic, free-draining mix. Keep the crown level with the soil, not buried.
Light and position
At least 6 hours of sun for sweet berries. Plant in autumn or early spring.
Watering
About every 2 days while fruiting, at the base and in the morning: water on the berries encourages mould. Very little in winter.
Feeding
Every 2 weeks from flowering, with a potassium-rich feed. A straw mulch under the berries keeps them clean and dry.
Harvest
Berries red up to the stalk, fragrant and still firm.
How to harvestPinch off with the stalk early in the morning, every 2-3 days.
Common problems
Botrytis, encouraged by humidity. Remove affected fruit at once, water only the soil and pick often.
Runners drain energy: cut them off, keeping a couple only if you want new plants for next year.
Not enough sun, or old plants. After 2-3 years plants crop less: replace them with their own runners.
FAQ
When should I plant strawberries in pots?
In autumn or early spring. Plants set out in autumn already fruit the following spring.
When are strawberries ready to pick?
When they're red right up to the stalk, fragrant and still firm. Pick early in the morning, every 2-3 days.
What are runners and should I remove them?
They're creeping stems that root into new plants. For fruit, cut them off; to get more plants, let them root in a small pot.
