Growing Strawberries on a Fence: A Simple and Space-Saving Technique

Growing juicy, homegrown strawberries is a dream for many gardeners, but lack of space can make it challenging. Strawberries spread rapidly and take up considerable ground space. For urban gardeners and anyone with limited yard area, going vertical with strawberry planting solves these problems beautifully.

Training strawberry vines up fences trellises or other structures allows you to reap bountiful berry harvests even in the smallest gardens. After successfully experimenting with vertical strawberry gardening, I’m excited to share everything I’ve learned! Read on for a complete guide to this fun, productive growing method.

Why Go Vertical?

Strawberry plants grow best when allowed to sprawl out horizontally across the soil. But for small space gardeners, letting them run rampant simply isn’t practical. Here are some excellent reasons to grow your berries vertically instead:

• Saves precious ground space. Training vines upward frees beds and borders for other edibles

• Improves airflow and reduces disease. Lifting berries off the ground prevents mold and rot.

• Makes picking easier Bringing fruits to reachable heights minimizes bending and kneeling!

• Maximizes light exposure from all angles, boosting fruit yields.

With advantages like these, vertical gardening is an obvious choice for any strawberry lover short on square footage.

Selecting the Best Strawberry Varieties

For vertically grown strawberries, trailing types with long, dangling runners work best. Look for varieties described as vigorous, spreading, or hanging basket suitable. Excellent vertical strawberry varieties include:

• Chandler – Extremely vigorous with loads of large, sweet berries perfect for training up.

• Seascape – Super disease resistant and adaptable to vertical growing. Produces high yields.

• Albion – Impressive jumbo berry size on heavily productive, trailing vines ideal for heights and containers.

• White Carolina – Uniquely white-fleshed berries that look stunning cascading from vertical supports.

Setting Up Supports for Vertical Growth

Once you’ve chosen plants, the next step is installing proper supports. The best vertical structures for strawberries include:

• Trellises or obelisks – Compact standalone supports maximize limited space when placed in beds or borders.

• Walls and fences – These permanent vertical planes offer ample support area. Prioritize south or west-facing exposures.

• Railings, posts, poles – Single upright supports also work well. Just be sure to install netting or wires for vines to cling to.

Whatever option you choose, ensure your support structure is firmly anchored, able to bear the weight of dozens of ripening berry bunches. Wood, metal, and plastic lattices all work fine as long as they are sturdy and stable.

Prepping Plants for Planting

Before putting vines in place, take a little time to prep young strawberry plants for transplant:

• Trim any long roots back to about 6 inches to encourage branching and establishment.

• Inspect root systems and plant only healthy, vigorous looking specimens.

• Soak bare root plants in water for 30 minutes before planting to rehydrate.

• Consider dipping roots in transplant solution to reduce shock.

• Keep plants shaded and protected from sun/wind until planting time.

Proper prep sets your vertically grown strawberries up for success!

Planting Your Vertical Strawberries

Now for the fun part! Follow these steps to get your vertical berries in place:

• For fences/walls, set plants into pockets or shelves of high quality potting mix. Commercial wall garden planters also work wonderfully.

• Space plants 10-12 inches apart vertically and horizontally so vines don’t overcrowd.

• Plant at top of supports and train runners downward, or start at bottom and weave vines upward. Either approach works!

• Plant crowns just above soil level – too deep invites rot and disease. Shallow is best.

• Water newly planted vines well and mist often at first to reduce transplant stress.

• Apply mulch around plants to maintain even soil moisture and cool roots.

With proper planting care, your berries will flourish in their vertical positions.

Caring for Growing Strawberry Vines

Established vertical strawberry plants need attentive care for maximum fruit production:

• Monitor soil moisture frequently, watering when top few inches become dry. Take care not to oversaturate.

• Fertilize monthly with a balanced fruiting formula to support heavy berry loads.

• Remove flowers the first year so plants focus energy on root and vine growth. Also prune away excess runners.

• Gently weave and tie vines onto supports. Be patient – it takes time for trailing habits to develop.

• Pick ripe fruits often to keep plants in production. Maintain 2-3 day harvest intervals at peak ripening.

• Watch for pests like mites, aphids, or slugs. Take control measures at first signs of infestation.

With proper care, vertically trained strawberries will thrive season after season.

Harvesting Heavenly Homegrown Berries

Of course, the best part of growing strawberries vertically comes when it’s time to reap your bounty!

• Check plants daily once flowers emerge. Harvest ripe fruits every 2-3 days during peak season.

• Gently twist berries off rather than pulling to avoid damaging plants.

• For longest shelf life, leave caps on freshly picked berries.

• Pick in the cool of morning when flavor and juice content are highest.

• Place a frame or cloth underneath plants to catch any dropped fruits. Enjoy ASAP!

Growing strawberries vertically makes fresh snacking a literal pick!

Troubleshooting Common Vertical Strawberry Problems

While vertical gardening works wonderfully for strawberries, a few potential issues can arise:

• Weak vines – Purchase the healthiest plants with top notch genetics to avoid slow establishment.

• Sparse flowers – Too much nitrogen fertilizer inhibits fruiting. Ease off high nitrogen and increase phosphorus/potassium ratios.

• Small berries – Overcrowded plants compete for resources, reducing berry size. Allow at least 8-10 inches between vines.

• Wilting – Usually signals overwatering. Allow soil to dry out further between irrigations.

• Pest issues – Take preventative measures and treat at first signs. Clean up fallen berries promptly to prevent spread.

With preventative practices and early intervention, your vertically grown berries will flourish!

Enjoying the Fruits of Vertical Gardening

I hope these tips have inspired you to try taking strawberry gardening to new heights! With the right varieties and care, fences, rails, and poles can transform into surprisingly prolific berry patches.

Homegrown strawberries are special enough, but vertical garden fruits somehow taste even sweeter. I’d love to hear if you try training strawberries or other vining crops skyward. Share your own vertical gardening stories and tips!