Creating a strawberry planter allows savouring your own strawberries, even without a large garden. This growing method is ideal for small spaces such as balconies or small terraces. Growing strawberries in a planter is not only attractive but also very practical. Let’s discover together how to proceed to ensure an abundant, delicious harvest of these much-loved red fruits.

create a strawberry planter for a balcony

Strawberry plants, ideal for planters

Strawberry plants are perennial plants that are perfectly suited to container growing. There are several varieties, such as perpetual strawberry plants that produce fruit from spring to autumn, or non-perpetual strawberry plants that fruit once per season. There are also four-season strawberries that give small fruits between April and October. Choosing varieties adapted to pot culture is crucial for healthy growth and good production.

Here are some varieties well suited to growing in planters or balcony planters:

  • Strawberry 'Temptation', a wild strawberry variety, produces long climbing or creeping stems that are wonderful in hanging baskets and planters to brighten balconies.
  • Trailing strawberry F1 'Toscana Deep Rose', a very productive hybrid variety with a trailing habit particularly suitable for pot or hanging culture. It offers beautiful pink flowers!
  • Climbing strawberry 'Mount Everest', a perpetual variety ideal for small spaces. It can be trained on a support (trellis, teepee…) to climb to 1.20 m high or placed in a hanging basket to cascade.

Best time to plant strawberries

Ideal time to plant strawberry plants in a planter is early spring, after last frosts, or in autumn in regions with mild winters. This allows plants to establish comfortably before periods of intense growth.

Where to place your planter?

Strawberry plants need at least 6 to 8 hours of direct sunlight per day to thrive. Choose a sunny spot on your balcony, terrace or windowsill. Ensure chosen spot is sheltered from strong winds that could damage plants and dry soil too quickly.

location for a strawberry planter

Materials needed

  • Planter with drainage (30-40 cm depth and width)
  • Quality potting compost for pots and planters or for vegetables
  • Compost (facultative)
  • Straw or hemp mulch
  • Fertiliser for strawberry plants or fruit plants
  • Watering can or irrigation system

How to plant your strawberry plants?

  • Choice of planter : Choose a planter at least 30-40 cm deep and wide. Ensure it has drainage holes to avoid stagnation of water.
  • Preparing potting mix : Use a quality potting compost specific for pots and planters or for vegetables. You can also add compost to enrich the soil.
  • Planting the strawberry plants :
    • Fill the planter with prepared potting mix up to about 5 cm from the rim.
    • Place strawberry plants spaced 20-30 cm apart to allow them to develop without competition.
    • Dig holes large enough to accommodate the strawberry roots, place the plants and refill the holes. Ensure the crown (where the roots meet the stem) is just level with the soil surface.
    • Water generously after planting.
creating a strawberry planter
  • Mulching : Cover soil with straw or hemp mulch to retain moisture, keep soil cool and limit weed growth.
  • Maintenance :
    • Water regularly to keep soil moist, especially during dry spells or hot periods.
    • Fertilise with a fertiliser adapted to strawberry plants (NPK: 4-8-12) or, if unavailable, for fruit plants every 4 to 6 weeks during the growing season.
    • Watch for signs of disease or pests and intervene quickly with appropriate treatments if necessary.