Growing Strawberries in Containers: A Step-by-Step Guide

Why Growing Strawberries in Containers Works So Well

Strawberries are one of the most container-friendly fruits you can grow. Their roots stay fairly shallow, and they don’t require deep soil like tomatoes or melons.

They also respond quickly to good conditions. If your soil is rich, your watering is consistent, and your plants get enough sun, strawberries often yield fruit faster than many gardeners expect.

Growing strawberries in pots also keeps the berries elevated. That helps reduce problems with slugs, snails, and soil splash, which can cause fruit rot.

“Strawberries are an ideal container crop because they don’t need deep roots. Give them good soil, drainage, and steady moisture, and they’ll produce surprisingly well.” - Mark Bolt, Vice President of EarthBox

Strawberry Container Gardening: At a Glance

Read on for more details, but if you remember nothing else, remember these critical details for growing strawberries in containers.

Container: 8–10 inches deep minimum
Sunlight: 6–8 hours of direct sun daily
Watering: Keep soil evenly moist (not soggy)
Planting: Keep the crown above the soil

Now, let’s get into the specifics.

Best Strawberry Varieties for Containers

Variety matters when growing strawberries in containers. Some strawberries produce one big crop, while others keep producing throughout the season.

Here are the three main types.

Day-Neutral Strawberries

Day-neutral varieties produce fruit consistently through the growing season. They’re one of the best choices for a strawberry container garden because they don’t rely heavily on daylight length to produce.

Popular day-neutral varieties:

• Albion
• Seascape

Everbearing Strawberries

Everbearing varieties typically produce two to three harvest waves throughout the year, often in spring, summer, and fall. They’re great if you want multiple harvests but don’t need constant fruiting.

Popular everbearing varieties:

• Ozark Beauty
• Quinault

June-Bearing Strawberries

June-bearing strawberries produce one large crop, usually in early summer. They’re ideal if you want a bigger harvest for freezing, desserts, or homemade jam.

Popular June-bearing varieties:

• Chandler
• Honeoye

Day-Neutral or Everbearing are the best options for a planter box.

Strawberries: Did You Know

• Americans consume about 8 pounds of fresh strawberries per person each year.
• Strawberries are found in about 94% of U.S. households, making them one of the most widely eaten fruits.
• California, Florida, and Oregon are the top producers, with California by far the largest, dedicating over 50,000 acres to strawberry production.
• One cup of strawberries contains about 55 calories and is rich in vitamin C and antioxidants.

Source: Colorado State University, College of Health and Human Sciences (Food Source Information)

What’s the Best Gardening Container for Strawberries?

Choosing the right container is one of the most important steps when growing strawberries in pots. Strawberries don’t need deep soil, but they do need enough room to spread and stay evenly moist.

A wide container often works better than a narrow one. For best results, aim for containers at least 8–12 inches deep and roughly 12–18 inches wide, depending on how many plants you’re growing.

Recommended Container Sizes for Strawberries

Here’s a quick container size guide you can follow:

Container Size	Recommended Plant Count	Best For
6–8 inch pot	1 plant	Small spaces, windowsills
10–12 inch pot	2–3 plants	Most patio gardens
12–14 inch pot	3 plants	Larger harvests
18–24 inch planter box	4–6 plants	Best yield + moisture stability
5-gallon grow bag	3 plants	Flexible, portable setups

Fabric grow bags are a good option for growing strawberries in containers. They’re lightweight, breathable, and help prevent root rot by allowing excess moisture to escape. Many gardeners also prefer them because the fabric naturally “air prunes” roots, encouraging healthier root growth.

Best Container Types for Strawberries

• Planter boxes: Best for moisture stability and higher yields
• Fabric grow bags: Lightweight, breathable, and resistant to root rot
• Hanging baskets: Great airflow, fewer pests, and easy harvesting
• Strawberry pots or vertical towers: Ideal for small spaces and keeping fruit off the soil

Drainage Is Non-Negotiable for Container-Grown Strawberries

Strawberries need moist soil, but they can’t survive soggy soil.

If water pools at the bottom of your container, the roots lose oxygen. That leads to rot, fungal disease, and plant decline. It’s one of the most common reasons container strawberries fail.

Always choose a container with drainage holes. If your planter doesn’t have them, drill holes before planting.

“Good drainage is the foundation. Strawberries don’t tolerate wet feet, and crown rot can wipe out a container fast.” Mark Bolt, Vice President of EarthBox

The Best Soil for Growing Strawberries in Containers

Strawberries perform best in soil that drains well but holds enough moisture to support steady growth.

Use a Quality Potting Mix, Not Garden Soil

Garden soil is too heavy for containers. It compacts over time, drains poorly, and can suffocate roots.

Instead, use a high-quality potting mix designed for containers.

What Should a Good Strawberry Potting Mix Include?

Look for a mix that contains:

• Peat moss or coco coir (moisture retention)
• Perlite or vermiculite (drainage and airflow)
• Compost or organic material (nutrients)

What’s the Best Soil pH for Strawberries

Strawberries prefer slightly acidic soil.

Ideal range: pH 5.5 to 6.8

If your soil is too alkaline, plants may struggle to absorb nutrients, which leads to weaker growth and smaller fruit.

How to Grow Strawberries in Containers: Step-by-Step

Growing strawberries in containers is beginner-friendly, but success depends on a few details. The right container, correct planting depth, steady watering, and full sun can produce sweet berries all season.

Follow these steps, and you’ll have a healthy strawberry container garden that keeps producing.

Step 1: Choose the Right Container

Almost any container can work for strawberries, including planter boxes, hanging baskets, strawberry pots, and grow bags.

The most important feature is drainage.

Your container should be:

• 8–12 inches deep
• Wide enough for roots to spread
• Built with multiple drainage holes

Wide containers usually perform better than tall, narrow ones because strawberries have shallow roots.

EarthBox^® planter boxes, for example, offer the perfect dimensions for strawberries: 29" L x 13.5" W x 11" H. It provides an award-winning, maintenance-free container gardening system proven to deliver higher yields.

The planters are also self-watering to minimize the risk of over- or under-watering your strawberry plants. Learn more about their benefits by reading, Self-Watering Planter Boxes: A Green Thumb’s Best Friend.

Step 2: Use a High-Quality Potting Mix

Don’t use garden soil in containers. It compacts and drains poorly, and can lead to root problems.

Instead, use a lightweight potting mix designed for container gardening. For best results, blend in a small amount of compost to boost nutrients and improve moisture retention.

A good mix should drain well but still hold enough water to stay evenly moist.

For more insights, read The Best Soil for Container Gardening.

Step 3: Plant the Crown at the Correct Height

This step is the most important when growing strawberries in pots.

Strawberry plants have a crown, the thick central area where the roots meet the stem. The crown should sit at soil level or slightly above.

• Roots go below the soil
• Crown stays exposed
• Leaves stay above the soil

If the crown is buried, it can rot and kill the plant.

Step 4: Space Plants to Avoid Crowding

Strawberries don’t like overcrowding. Tight spacing reduces airflow, increases disease risk, and limits fruit production.

Follow these spacing guidelines:

• 8–12 inches between plants
• 2–3 plants in a 10–12 inch pot
• 4–6 plants in a larger planter box
• 1 plant per pocket in a strawberry pot or tower

Providing plants with adequate space is one of the easiest ways to improve yield.

Step 5: Water Deeply After Planting

After planting, water thoroughly until water drains out of the bottom.

Then keep the soil consistently moist as plants establish. Containers dry out faster than garden beds, especially in summer heat, so check moisture often.

If the top inch of soil feels dry, it’s time to water again.

Step 6: Place Containers in Full Sun

Strawberries need sun to produce sugar, which is what makes berries sweet.

For best results, place your containers where they’ll receive:

• 6–8 hours of direct sunlight daily

More sunlight usually means stronger plants and better fruit.

If you live in an area with intense afternoon heat, partial shade later in the day can reduce stress.

Step 7: Add Straw Mulch to Protect Fruit

Mulch is one of the simplest ways to improve container-grown strawberries.

Once plants begin flowering, add a thin layer of straw or pine needles on top of the soil.

Mulch helps:

• Keep berries clean
• Prevent fruit rot
• Reduce soil splash
• Retain moisture longer

It also helps protect shallow roots during heat waves.

Step 8: Let Berries Hang Over the Edge When Possible

If you’re growing strawberries in hanging baskets or wide containers, position plants so they can trail slightly over the rim.

When berries hang over the edge, they’re less likely to sit in damp soil, which helps prevent rot and makes harvesting easier.

This small detail can make a noticeable difference in fruit quality.

Step 9: Fertilize Regularly During the Growing Season

Strawberries are heavy feeders, especially in containers where nutrients wash out quickly.

Use a slow-release fertilizer at planting time, then feed every 2–3 weeks once flowering begins.

Choose a balanced fertilizer or one slightly higher in potassium to support fruit production. Avoid nitrogen-heavy fertilizers, which can lead to leafy growth and fewer berries.

Step 10: Remove Runners for Better Fruit Production

Strawberry plants produce runners, which are long stems that grow new baby plants.

Runners are great for propagation, but they steal energy from fruit production.

For best results:

• Remove runners regularly
• Especially during the first growing season

Removing runners encourages stronger roots and more productive plants.

Step 11: Protect Strawberries From Birds and Pests

Birds love ripe strawberries, and they often discover container gardens quickly.

If berries keep disappearing, lightweight bird netting can protect your harvest.

Also watch for:

• Aphids
• Spider mites
• Slugs (especially if containers sit near the ground)

Regular inspection makes it easier to stop pests before they spread.

Step 12: Harvest at Peak Ripeness

Strawberries don’t ripen after picking, so timing matters.

Pick strawberries when they are:

• Fully red
• Shiny
• Slightly soft

Harvest in the morning when berries are cool and firm. Snip or pinch the stem above the fruit to avoid bruising.

Frequent harvesting encourages plants to keep producing.

What to Do After Planting Strawberries in Containers

Once your strawberries are planted, the goal is simple: keep them comfortable. That means steady moisture, steady nutrients, and clean fruit. If you follow the routine below, your strawberry container garden will remain productive throughout the season.

1. Water Consistently

Strawberries have shallow roots, so containers dry out quickly. Check moisture often, especially during hot weather.

If you’re growing in an EarthBox system, consistent moisture is easier to maintain, which can improve fruit quality during hot summer stretches.

Watering Rules for Strawberries:

• Water when the top inch of soil feels dry
• Water until it drains out the bottom
• Keep soil moist, not soggy
• Avoid watering leaves when possible

Typical Watering Schedule:

• Mild weather: every 3–5 days
• Hot weather: daily (sometimes twice a day in small pots)

2. Fertilize to Support Flowering and Fruit

Strawberries burn through nutrients faster in containers. Regular feeding improves berry size, flavor, and overall yield.

Best Fertilizing Routine for Strawberries:

• At planting, mix in a slow-release fertilizer
• Once flowering begins, feed every 2–3 weeks
• Use a fertilizer that is balanced or higher in potassium, which encourages fruit production
• Avoid high nitrogen, which encourages leaves instead of fruit

“Container plants burn through nutrients faster than people expect. Feeding consistently is one of the easiest ways to improve berry size and yield.” Mark Bolt, Vice President of EarthBox

3. Mulch to Keep Fruit Clean and Reduce Rot

Mulch is a simple step that makes a big difference once berries begin forming.

Best Mulches for Strawberries:

• Straw
• Pine needles
• Shredded leaves

Benefits of Mulch for Strawberries:

• Keeps berries off damp soil
• Reduces fruit rot
• Retains moisture longer
• Prevents soil splash during watering

4. Remove Runners to Improve Production

Runners are long stems that create new baby plants. They’re useful for propagation, but they can reduce fruit output.

Best Practice for Containers:

• Year one: remove runners regularly
• Later seasons: allow a few runners only if you want new plants

5. Protect Your Harvest From Birds and Pests

If your berries disappear overnight, birds are usually the reason.

How to Protect Strawberry Plants:

• Use lightweight bird netting if needed
• Inspect plants weekly for aphids or spider mites
• Keep containers slightly elevated to reduce slug problems

6. Harvest Often for Sweeter, Healthier Plants

Strawberries won’t ripen after picking, so timing matters.

Harvest your strawberries when they’re:

• Fully red
• Shiny
• Lightly soft

Harvesting frequently encourages plants to keep producing, especially day-neutral and everbearing varieties.

Harvest in the morning when berries are cool and firm.

When picking, grab the stem above the berry and twist gently. Strawberries bruise easily, so handle them carefully.

Common Problems When Growing Strawberries in Containers

Even experienced gardeners run into issues. The good news is most problems are easy to fix.

Flowers But No Berries

This concern is usually pollination-related. Bees typically handle pollination, but if activity is low, you can hand-pollinate with a soft brush.

Moldy or Rotting Fruit

This issue often happens when berries sit on wet soil. Mulch helps prevent it, along with better airflow and careful watering.

Small Berries

Small berries are often caused by:

• Too little sun
• Lack of nutrients
• Inconsistent watering

Will Strawberries Come Back Every Year in Containers?

Yes. Strawberries are perennial plants, meaning they can come back year after year.

However, most plants begin to decline after 2–3 years. Many gardeners replace older plants or use runners to create new ones.

To overwinter container strawberries:

• Move containers to a sheltered spot
• Insulate with straw or burlap
• Avoid keeping plants too warm indoors (they benefit from dormancy)

Enjoy a Strawberry Container Garden Anywhere

Growing strawberries in containers is one of the most rewarding ways to garden at home. It’s beginner-friendly, space-efficient, and perfect for patios, porches, decks, and balconies.

With the right planter, good potting mix, steady watering, and plenty of sunlight, you can grow strawberries in a planter and enjoy fresh fruit all season long.

If you’d like to make the process even easier, EarthBox planter boxes maintain consistent moisture and reduce the guesswork of container gardening. Their self-watering system helps strawberries stay hydrated during summer heat while minimizing the risk of overwatering.

Ready to start your strawberry container garden? Explore the collection of EarthBox planter boxes and grow kits to help your plants develop healthier roots, stronger growth, and bigger harvests.

FAQs About Growing Strawberries in Containers

How many strawberry plants can you put in one container?

Most 10–12-inch containers can hold 2–3 plants. Larger planter boxes can support 4–6 plants spaced 8–12 inches apart.

How many strawberry plants can go in a 5-gallon bucket?

A 5-gallon bucket can support about 3 strawberry plants, provided it has drainage holes and high-quality potting mix.

How deep does a container have to be to grow strawberries?

A container should be at least 8–10 inches deep. Strawberries have shallow roots, but they still need enough soil volume to stay moist.

What is the trick to growing strawberries in containers?

The trick is consistent moisture with strong drainage. Strawberries don’t like dry soil, but they rot quickly in soggy soil.

Do strawberries do better in pots or raised beds?

They do well in both. Pots offer greater control over soil and pests, while raised beds provide more long-term space for planting.

Are coffee grounds good for strawberries?

Coffee grounds can add organic matter, but use them sparingly. Too much can affect soil texture and drainage.

What is the number one cause of death for container plants?

Overwatering is one of the most common causes. Poor drainage leads to root rot, fungal disease, and plant decline.

What not to do when growing strawberries?

Don’t bury the crown, don’t overcrowd plants, and don’t let containers sit in standing water.