What is the Best Way to Grow Strawberries in Soil in a Pot - Seeds or Transplants?

Growing strawberries in a pot can be a rewarding experience for both gardening enthusiasts and beginners. You have a couple of options for starting your plants: using seeds, young strawberry transplants, or slices of strawberries. Here’s a detailed breakdown of both methods to help you decide which is best for you.

Planting Strawberry Seeds

Choosing the Right Seeds

Select a variety suited for container gardening such as Albion or Seascape.

Preparing the Soil

Use a high-quality potting mix that drains well. You can also mix in some compost for added nutrients.

Sowing the Seeds

Start seeds indoors about 8-10 weeks before the last frost date. Sprinkle seeds on the surface of the soil and lightly press them in. Do not cover them with soil as they need light to germinate. Mist the soil to keep it moist but not soggy. Keep the container in a warm, bright location. Germination can take 2-3 weeks. Once seedlings have a few true leaves and are large enough to handle, transplant them into larger pots or into a final container.

Planting Strawberry Transplants

Choosing Healthy Plants

Purchase young strawberry plants from a nursery or garden center. Varieties like June-bearing, everbearing, or day-neutral are popular.

Preparation of the Pot

Use a pot that is at least 12 inches in diameter with good drainage holes.

Soil Preparation

Fill the pot with a well-draining potting mix ideally amended with compost. Make a hole in the soil and place the plant so the crown where the leaves meet the roots is level with the soil surface. Firm the soil around the plant and water thoroughly.

Plant Care

Keep the soil consistently moist, especially during flowering and fruiting. Fertilize every few weeks with a balanced fertilizer.

Conclusion

Seeds: More time-consuming and may require patience as they take longer to grow and establish. Transplants: Faster and easier, allowing you to harvest fruit in the same season.

For beginners starting with transplants is often the best choice. If you want to experiment with seeds, be prepared for a longer growing process. Happy gardening!