Berry merry

Strawberries are the go-to berry for home growers – and it’s not hard to see why. Compact and easy-to-grow, they crop heavily, with sweet, fragrant fruit – and they’re adaptable and ideal for kids. They flourish in beds, but containers let you bypass some common hurdles – limited space, heavy soil and pests. And the best pot-grown perk – you grow established plants (not runners or dormant crowns) so your first pick is just weeks away. Strawberries grow well in all climates. The time for planting runners or crowns varies, while potted plants can go in year-round in frost-free areas – and almost year-round elsewhere. Here are some things to remember when growing potted strawberries:

• For healthy plants and plenty of tasty fruit, keep potting mix moist.
• Each week, alternate between a complete liquid fertiliser and seaweed solution or worm wee.
• Remove runners to encourage better fruiting.
• Ensure pots can drain well.
• Grow at least two cultivars, as cross-pollination improves fruit set and yields.
• Protect plants from strong afternoon sun in hot climates.
• Pick ripe fruit regularly to encourage more fruiting.
• To keep strawberries for longer, store them unwashed and rinse just before use.

Learn everything you need to know about growing delicious strawberries in pots in the December issue of ABC Gardening Australia magazine – on sale now!

Header image by iStock