Strawberries in containers
Growing strawberries in containers made from terracotta or other materials can look very attractive. For it to be practical, choose a large container for multiple plants. Traditional tower-style terracotta strawberry planters have individual ‘pockets’ for each plant but all share a sizeable volume of compost, which dries out more slowly and so needs less watering, making them a relatively low-maintenance option.
It’s best to insert an irrigation tube into the centre of the tower before planting to ensure water percolates through the compost thoroughly from top to bottom. Towers display the fruits well for harvesting and are simple to cover for bird protection. However, they are cumbersome to move, unlike smaller conventional pots.
Growing strawberries in individual terracotta pots can be tricky, especially in the height of summer when the mature root system readily dries out. Having tried them, I can vouch that unglazed, unlined 20cm-wide clay pots are very difficult to keep sufficiently moist, no matter how pretty they might look against a sunny, sheltered wall.
So choose individual pots with a diameter of at least 30cm and, if made of unglazed clay or other porous material, line the inside with an old compost bag to minimise water evaporation. Just leave the base unlined, or pierce any lining, to ensure adequate drainage.
Shielding potted plants from excessive heat and winds may also be necessary in a sunny location during high summer.
Yield Slightly lower than other methods, due to the restricted root space. Best for Pretty potager-style plots or patios, gardeners who can provide regular and ample irrigation.