How to grow strawberry plants in container or in the garden

Strawberries are the stars of the Quebec garden. Whether you have a vast veggie patch or a small urban balcony, these berries adapt to your space. To make the best choice before you start, explore our guide on strawberry varieties to discover, including early-season, late-season, and ever-bearing types.

Exposure: Full sun (minimum 6 to 8 hours per day)

Soil type: Humus-rich, loose, cool, and well-drained (slightly acidic)

Successful In-Ground Planting and Fertilization

Plant in early spring as soon as the soil can be worked. This allows roots to establish themselves firmly before the July heat. You can plant in rows (ideal for June-bearing varieties) or on mounds (for ever-bearing varieties).

1. Select a location that receives maximum sunlight.
2. Ensure the soil is well-drained to prevent root rot.
3. Loosen the soil and dig a hole wide enough to spread the roots properly.
4. Add a generous dose of high-quality compost to the bottom of the hole.
5. Fertilize at planting time with a natural granular fertilizer rich in phosphorus to stimulate root growth.
6. Place the plant so the crown (the base of the plant) is exactly at soil level.
7. Fill the hole, pack the soil firmly, and water thoroughly.
8. Apply a potassium-rich fertilizer as soon as the first flowers appear to maximize fruit sugar content.
9. Space plants 30 cm apart (mound culture) or 40 to 50 cm apart (row culture).
10. Apply straw mulch to keep the fruit clean and retain moisture.

Container Growing and Recommended Varieties

Geotextile bags are excellent choices as they provide optimal root aeration. For balconies, ever-bearing varieties are essential to guarantee a prolonged harvest throughout the summer.

Top Varieties for Your Containers:

• Charlotte: A must-have for its unique wild strawberry flavour. Its compact growth is perfect for pots.
• Albion: Popular for its large, firm, very sweet fruit and exceptional disease resistance.
• Seascape: A reliable choice for Quebec, offering consistent productivity and good-sized berries.

Managing Hanging Baskets:

If you purchase a pre-potted hanging basket, check if the roots are growing through the drainage holes. If the container feels too tight or the soil dries out in just a few hours, repot immediately into a larger pot with fresh, rich potting mix to ensure the plant's vigour.

1. Place your containers in a sunny spot.
2. Use a mix of 50% high-quality potting soil and 50% compost.
3. Gently spread the roots when planting without bending them.
4. Cover with soil, pack lightly, and water immediately.
5. Fertilize with an organic liquid fertilizer (such as kelp or fish emulsion) every two weeks, as nutrients leach quickly in pots.
6. Snip off the first runners (stolon stems) to force the plant to produce more fruit.

Winter Preparation and Success Tips

In hardiness zones 3, 4, and 5, proper protection is necessary to ensure your plants survive the winter:

• Cleanup: Remove dead or spotted leaves after the first frost to limit spring diseases.
• Ground Protection: Once the ground is frozen (usually late November), cover the plants with 10 to 15 cm of clean straw.
• Wintering Pots: Potted roots are very vulnerable to intense frost. Bury the pot directly in the ground for the winter or transplant your plants into a garden bed by October.

To deepen your knowledge and ensure total success, discover our tips for maintaining strawberry plants throughout the season.

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