Growing Strawberries in a Bag: The Complete Guide

Growing strawberries in bags is an easy and fun way to produce a bountiful berry harvest in a small space. These compact fruit plants thrive when grown vertically in breathable bags filled with lightweight potting mix.

In this complete guide, we will cover the many benefits of container strawberries and provide tips on how to get a healthy, high-yielding crop using this simple method.

Why Grow Strawberries in Bags?

There are several excellent reasons to consider bag culture for your strawberry patch:

• Space Saving – Grow lots of plants in a compact area. Bags can be set on patios, balconies, or in tight rows.

• Weed & Pest Control – Isolated from soil, bags reduce weeds and soil-borne diseases. It also keeps slugs away.

• Portability – Lightweight bags are easy to move for sunlight exposure, task access or overwintering.

• Reduced Rot – Berries stay off the ground, avoiding rotting from moisture and pests.

• High Yields – Excellent aeration and drainage in bags leads to healthy roots and vigorous plants.

• Convenience – Save your back by not having to bend for care, pruning and harvest. Grow at a comfortable height.

With proper care and optimal growing conditions, container strawberries can produce bumper crops in bags.

Selecting Strawberry Varieties for Bags

While all strawberries can be grown in bags, some varieties are better suited for container culture. Choose from these high-yielding, compact types:

• Everbearing – Produce berries spring to fall the first year. Tristar and Quinault are top choices.

• Day-Neutral – Bear fruit continuously through summer into fall. Albion and Seascape are recommended.

• June-Bearing – Reliable spring cropper, Honeoye and Allstar are good compact varieties

Avoid spreading or mattress-forming types like Chandler. Seek out varieties recommended for hanging baskets or containers.

Getting Strawberry Bags and Potting Mix

You’ll need a few supplies to get set up for growing strawberries in bags:

• Strawberry bags – Use porous fabric bags with built-in pockets or slits to hold plants, like Grow Bags or Smart Pots. A 5-10 gallon capacity bag is ideal for 4-6 plants.

• Lightweight potting mix – Use a mix formulated for containers, not garden soil. Seek a mix containing peat moss, perlite or vermiculite.

• Flood trays – Durable plastic trays to set bags in for convenient watering from the bottom. Look for commercial plant trays.

Planting Strawberry Bags

Spring and fall are ideal times for planting strawberries in bags. Here are simple planting steps:

• Fill bags 2/3 full with moistened potting mix. Fold over any tops.

• Massage bare-root plants to spread out roots before planting.

• Plant crowns just above soil surface, trimming any excess roots. Space plants 6-12 inches apart.

• Backfill soil, firming gently around plants. Leave room at top for watering.

• Water thoroughly until excess drains from bottoms after planting.

• Place containers in full sun location on a flood tray for convenient watering.

Caring for Container Strawberries

Growing in bags eliminates soil pests and weeds, but plants need consistent moisture and nutrition. Follow these tips:

• Water whenever top inch of soil is dry. Avoid water stress and soggy soil.

• Feed monthly with a balanced liquid fertilizer, or use time-release granules at planting.

• Prune off old leaves and runners to focus energy on fruit production.

• Protect flowers from frost with floating row covers. Remove during pollination periods.

• Move bags to a sheltered location for winter in cold climates. Keep soil slightly moist.

Proper, consistent care will keep your container berries thriving and producing heavily.

Troubleshooting Common Problems

Watch for these potential issues when growing strawberries in bags:

• Moldy Berries – Prevent by picking promptly and watering at soil level, not on fruits. Increase air circulation.

• Few Flowers/Fruits – Can be caused by overcrowding, excess nitrogen, or water stress.

• White Spots on Leaves – Indicates spider mites. Knock off with hose or use insecticidal soap spray.

• Stunted Plants – Results from compacted soil, under watering, or too much sun/heat.

• Leggy Plants – Due to insufficient sunlight. Turn containers or remove shade obstructions.

Harvesting and Enjoying Container Strawberries

• Begin picking ripe fruits as soon as plants establish, removing caps with a twist.

• Harvest every 2-4 days during peak season. Productive plants can bear for 4-6 weeks.

• Pick early in the day for best flavor. Handle carefully to avoid bruising.

• Enjoy fresh or freeze extras to enjoy out of season. Strawberries also can, jam, and ferment wonderfully.

With the right varieties and care, container growing allows you to successfully harvest bowls of beautiful, homegrown strawberries even in a small outdoor space or balcony. The delicious summer fruits are worth the minimal effort required to maintain productive bagged plants. Give this fun and productive method a try for your next strawberry patch!

Frequently Asked Questions

How many strawberry plants should I put in each bag?

3-4 plants per bag is ideal. Overcrowding leads to less fruit production per plant.

What size bag should I use?

5-10 gallon bags are best. This gives sufficient soil volume for each plant’s roots.

When should I plant my strawberries?

Early spring or fall are the best times to plant strawberries in bags.

How often do I need to water?

Water when the top inch of soil is dry. Consistent moisture is important.

How long will my plants be productive?

With good care, container strawberries can bear fruit for 4-6 years. Productivity declines after 2-3 years.

What causes few flowers and fruits?

Overcrowding, excessive nitrogen, drought stress, and insufficient sunlight can limit flowering and fruiting.

Why are my berries moldy?

Prompt harvesting, proper watering technique, and good air circulation help prevent moldy berries.

Do I need to prune my plants?

Yes, pruning off old leaves and runners redirects energy into fruit production.

Can I grow strawberries on my balcony?

Absolutely! Containers allow growing strawberries even with minimal outdoor space.

Conclusion