Strawberry basket

Haven't got the space in your garden to grow strawberries? Try growing them in hanging baskets.

Most fruit trees need far more space than the average garden can provide, but the strawberry is one fruit that takes up very little room. Strawberry plants are small enough to grow in pots or, better still, hanging baskets.

Like so many of our popular foods, strawberries originated in the Americas and were introduced to Europe in the 1600s. From there they spread all around the world. Much breeding work has been done with strawberries, and improved varieties become available all the time.

Strawberries are sold in a number of different ways. In the cooler months dormant plants are available packaged, with their roots wrapped in moisture-holding material. For much of the year (especially in the warmer seasons) strawberries are sold as seedling plants in small, individual pots. But one of the most rewarding and economical ways to grow strawberries is from seeds. Seeds are sold by suppliers such as Yates.

Hanging Baskets

One fun way of growing strawberries is in a hanging basket. Hanging baskets filled with strawberries not only look good, but allow the fruit to stay well clear of the ground. This means that they're much less likely to suffer from pests and diseases.

Start by choosing a suitable container. Fill the pot or basket with top quality potting mix. Mix in some slow-release fertiliser such as Nutricote Controlled Release Fertiliser. Water well. When the excess water has drained from the potting mix, sow the seeds onto the surface. Sprinkle a very thin layer of seed raising mix on top and firm down. Water gently with a soft spray.

After the strawberry seedlings have emerged, begin watering them regularly with half strength soluble fertiliser such as Thrive. When the plants are big enough to handle, transplant the excess and leave a suitable number in the pot.

Keep feeding the strawberries with Thrive every two weeks until the plants are thick and bushy. Then change over to Thrive Flower & Fruit. This will encourage the development of flowers and, ultimately, fruit.

Also see:

• Growing berries
• Growing strawberries
• Raspberries and strawberries

Reproduced with permission from NZOOM Home and Garden content, from the previous website of  The views expressed here are not necessarily those of the RNZIH   HOME AND GARDEN   Top of page

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