Tips for Growing Strawberries in Containers

Are you dreaming of growing your own fresh, juicy strawberries, but worry that the lack of a big yard might stop you? If you live in an urban area and have limited growing space, knowing that strawberries thrive in containers, might put a smile on your face! Strawberries are indeed perfect for small spaces like balconies, patios and windowsills. And you can even grow them using up-cycled materials and eco-friendly methods. Keep reading and we will show you how!

Choose the Right Container

The first step to a thriving container-grown strawberry patch is picking the perfect home for your plants. Since strawberries don’t have deep roots, they don’t need overly large containers. But they do require good drainage to prevent root rot. The good news? You don’t need to buy fancy pots—there are plenty of creative and eco-friendly ways to upcycle materials into the perfect strawberry planters!

Best Upcycled Containers for Strawberries

Think outside the typical plant pot! Here are some great options that are both practical and sustainable:

Old Buckets or Tins – Got an old metal or plastic bucket lying around? Turn it into a strawberry planter! Just drill a few drainage holes in the bottom, and you’ve got an instant home for your plants. Bonus tip: If the container is metal, consider lining it with burlap or coconut coir to prevent overheating in the summer.
Wooden Crates or Drawers – Discarded wooden crates or even an old dresser drawer can be repurposed into a rustic strawberry planter. Line the inside with a breathable material like burlap or landscape fabric before adding soil to keep everything contained while allowing for drainage.
Hanging Baskets – Short on floor space? Hanging baskets are a fantastic way to grow strawberries while making use of vertical space. Just ensure they have enough depth (at least 6-8 inches) and line them with coconut coir or moss to help retain moisture.
Reused Plastic Tubs or Food Containers – Large yogurt tubs, ice cream containers, or even an old laundry basket can be turned into a strawberry planter with a little creativity. Simply poke holes in the bottom and sides for drainage and airflow.
Vertical Planters from Old Pallets or Bottles – If you’re up for a DIY project, you can turn an old wooden pallet into a vertical strawberry garden by attaching fabric grow pockets or filling the gaps between slats with soil. Alternatively, large plastic bottles can be cut and stacked to create a space-saving strawberry tower!

Size and Drainage Considerations

No matter what type of container you choose, keep these key factors in mind:

✔ Depth – A minimum of 6-8 inches is ideal for strawberries to spread their roots.
✔ Drainage – Always make sure your container has enough holes at the bottom to prevent water from pooling. If it doesn’t, drill or poke a few extra holes.
✔ Portability – If you’re in a climate with cold winters, consider using lightweight containers that can be moved indoors when temperatures drop.

Pick the Best Strawberry Varieties

Not all strawberries are created equal, especially when it comes to growing in containers in a temperate climate with cold winters. Some varieties handle the chilly months better, while others produce fruit more consistently throughout the growing season. Choosing the right type will make all the difference in how well your strawberries thrive in your small-space garden.

Next Read: How to Create a Small Patio Garden

Understanding Strawberry Types

Strawberries generally fall into three main categories:

June-bearing – These varieties produce one large crop of strawberries in early summer (typically June, hence the name). They tend to have bigger berries but only fruit once per year.
Everbearing – These produce two or three smaller harvests throughout the growing season—one in late spring, another in summer, and sometimes a third in early fall.
Day-neutral – These plants don’t rely on daylight length to produce fruit, meaning they can yield berries consistently from late spring until the first frost. They’re ideal for container gardening because they keep producing in small spaces.

For urban gardeners with limited space and cold winters, everbearing and day-neutral varieties are usually the best choice. These types provide a steady supply of berries and adapt well to containers.

Best Strawberry Varieties for Containers in Cold Climates

Here are some great options that will thrive in your container garden:

✔ Albion – A day-neutral variety known for its large, sweet berries and excellent disease resistance. It produces fruit from spring to fall and is quite hardy.
✔ Seascape – Another fantastic day-neutral option with high yields and a rich, sweet flavor. It grows well in containers and performs reliably even in cooler climates.
✔ Mara des Bois – This French variety has smaller berries but an intense, wild-strawberry-like flavor. It’s day-neutral and thrives in pots.
✔ Ozark Beauty – An everbearing variety that’s great for colder climates. It produces an abundant first crop in late spring and continues with smaller harvests into fall.
✔ Tristar – A compact, day-neutral variety that’s perfect for small containers. It produces flavorful, medium-sized berries and keeps fruiting until frost.
✔ Fort Laramie – A cold-hardy everbearing variety that can handle frost better than most. It’s a great option for those who experience harsh winters.

What to Do in Winter?

Since you’re growing strawberries in containers, you’ll need to take a few extra steps to protect them when the temperatures drop:

Move containers to a sheltered area – A garage, shed, or enclosed balcony can help prevent root damage.
Mulch well – Add a thick layer of straw, dried leaves, or pine needles around the plants to insulate them.
Wrap containers – Use burlap, bubble wrap, or an old blanket to help keep the roots warm.
Consider overwintering indoors – If you have the space, moving your plants inside near a sunny window can keep them alive until spring.

Use Nutrient-Rich, Organic Soil

Strawberries are relatively low-maintenance, but they do have one key demand: rich, well-draining soil packed with nutrients. Since container-grown plants rely entirely on the soil you provide, starting with high-quality, organic soil is essential for a healthy and productive strawberry patch.

What Kind of Soil Do Strawberries Like?

Strawberries thrive in slightly acidic soil with a pH between 5.5 and 6.5. The soil should be loose, well-aerated, and rich in organic matter to retain moisture while allowing excess water to drain away. If the soil is too heavy or compacted, the roots can suffocate, leading to poor growth and disease.

DIY Eco-Friendly Potting Mix for Strawberries

Instead of buying commercial potting mix, why not create your own organic, nutrient-rich blend using upcycled and natural materials? Here’s a great DIY mix:

50% Compost – Homemade compost is a fantastic way to recycle food scraps while providing essential nutrients. Use well-rotted kitchen scraps, coffee grounds, crushed eggshells, and vegetable peels. If you don’t have your own compost, look for organic, peat-free compost at your local garden center.
30% Coconut Coir or Shredded Newspaper – Coconut coir is a sustainable alternative to peat moss that improves moisture retention without making the soil too dense. If you’re upcycling, shredded newspaper can also help keep soil light and airy.
20% Perlite, Sand, or Crushed Pine Bark – These ingredients improve drainage, preventing water from pooling at the roots. Upcycled alternatives include finely crushed eggshells or small pieces of broken terra cotta pots.
A Handful of Worm Castings – If you have access to a worm bin (vermicompost), worm castings are an amazing natural fertilizer that boosts plant health and improves soil texture.

Upcycled Soil Boosters for Extra Nutrition

Even the best soil needs an occasional nutrient boost. Instead of synthetic fertilizers, try these sustainable and upcycled soil amendments:

Banana Peel Tea – Soak banana peels in water for 24 hours, then use the nutrient-rich liquid to water your strawberries. This provides a natural potassium boost!
Used Coffee Grounds – Strawberries love slightly acidic soil, and coffee grounds are a great way to gently lower pH while adding nitrogen. Sprinkle a small amount around the base of your plants.
Crushed Eggshells – A fantastic source of calcium, eggshells help prevent common plant issues like blossom-end rot. Scatter finely crushed shells into your soil mix or around the base of your plants.
Wood Ash – If you have access to untreated wood ash (from a fireplace or fire pit), a small sprinkle can provide a boost of potassium and trace minerals.

Next Read: How to Create a Small Balcony Garden

Maintaining Healthy Soil in Containers

Since nutrients in container soil can deplete over time, it’s important to refresh the soil each growing season:

✔ Top-dress with compost – Every few weeks, add a thin layer of compost to replenish nutrients naturally.
✔ Rotate plants each season – If possible, swap out some of your container plants to prevent soil exhaustion.
✔ Replace a portion of old soil – Before replanting each year, remove about one-third of the old soil and replace it with fresh compost and organic matter.

Harvest and Enjoy!

Strawberries are best picked when fully red and slightly soft. Harvest in the morning for the sweetest flavor. Enjoy them fresh, in smoothies, or even freeze them for later!

Growing strawberries in containers is a fun and sustainable way to enjoy homegrown fruit, even in a small urban space. With a little creativity and upcycling, you can have a thriving mini strawberry patch that’s good for you and the planet.