If you are looking for one fun and versatile thing to grow, strawberries are the perfect fruit. Strawberry plants are great options for growing vertically or in planters as they stay compact and produce delicious berries. In this post we’ll share the best strawberry planters to help you grow delicious berries no matter where you are planting. The best strawberry planters make it possible to grow more fruit in a smaller space.
In this article we’ll share the best strawberry planter including both planters you can buy as well as a few options for strawberry planters you can make easily on your own. You can also find information on how to grow strawberries and tips for growing strawberries in containers.
Learn more about growing strawberries: The Best Way to Grow Strawberries: A Comprehensive Guide for Home Gardeners
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Quick Look at the Best Strawberry Planters
The table below shows a quick look at the best strawberry planters. Scroll down to see more details on each planter including pros and cons and the most important features.
Compact grow bags make great strawberry planters. This is a great budget option. | |||
Great space saving strawbeery planter with space for 20 plants. | |||
Great option for small spaces - lots of room for strawberry plants. | |||
Sturdy vertical planter that works well facing south. | |||
 | This is a more permanent planter designed to stay in your garden but save space. | ||
 | This is small, easy to assemble and perfect for just a few strawberry plants | ||
 | This attractive wood tower has enough room for about 10 strawberry plants. | ||
  | A sturdy hanging basket works for a few strawberry plants. |
Types of Strawberry Planters
The best strawberry planters come in many different sizes and shapes. The list below shows some of the ideas for growing strawberries. For success, you should look for a strawberry planter that has enough space for the strawberry leaves and roots to grow without competition. You may see photos of strawberries growing in gutters or other small spaces. Note your plants may become stunted without enough space for roots and you will need to water the strawberry plants frequently.
Hanging Baskets: These planters allow you to suspend strawberry plants, making efficient use of vertical space. Make sure the hanging basket is big enough for the strawberries roots and sturdy enough that it can hold the weight.
Vertical Towers and Pockets: Vertical planters provide multiple tiers or pockets for planting strawberries, maximizing space and allowing for easy harvesting.
Raised Beds and Containers: Raised beds and large containers offer ample space for growing multiple strawberry plants, with the advantage of better soil control and drainage.
Window Boxes and Troughs: Compact and stylish, window boxes and troughs are ideal for small gardens or balcony setups, providing a charming way to grow strawberries. Make sure the trough is big enough to support the strawberries roots.
Strawberry Barrels: Specifically designed for growing strawberries, these barrel-shaped planters have multiple planting pockets around the sides, allowing for high yields in a compact footprint.
PVC Pipe Towers: Made from PVC pipes, these vertical planters have multiple planting holes drilled into the pipe, offering a unique and space-efficient way to grow strawberries.
Strawberry Pyramids: These pyramid-shaped planters consist of stacked tiers, offering an attractive and organized way to grow strawberries in limited space.
DIY and Upcycled Planters: The possibilities are endless when it comes to creative and sustainable planters. From repurposed materials to DIY projects, there are plenty of options to explore for growing strawberries.
Remember, each type of planter has its advantages and considerations, so choose the one that suits your space, needs, and gardening style the best.
Factors to Consider When Choosing Strawberry Planters
Size and Capacity
The first consideration is the size and capacity of the planter. The capacity includes both the amount of soil in the planter and the amount of spaces to plant the strawberry plants. Many of the planters will hold a large amount of strawberry plants. The overall size is mostly a personal decision depending on where you will put your strawberry planter.
Material and Durability
The best strawberry planters are made from a variety of materials. Choose planters that will last a long time, especially since strawberry plants are perennials and will grow back year after year. The planters in this article all make great options in terms of durability. Be especially careful of grow bags and read the reviews carefully.
Drainage and Watering System
Strawberries require water and unless you want to be watering your planter constantly, consider a watering system. We find that planters dry out much faster than strawberries planted directly into rows or even raised beds. Consider a drip irrigation system or place your strawberry planter near a water source to make watering easy.
Portability and Versatility
If you are growing strawberries in a small space you will likely need to move your strawberry planter occasionally. If you are planning to move your planter make sure it’s not so big that you can’t move it. Also choose a planter that isn’t meant to stay in the the same place (like the raised stacked bed).
Cost and Budget
The final consideration is the cost of the planters. Most of the planters on this list are inexpensive. When you are selecting the best strawberry planter, remember to calculate the additional cost of the soil, irrigation and strawberry plants themselves. If you are looking to save money, consider buying bare-root strawberry plants.
Top Picks for Strawberry Planters
Strawberry Grow Bags
These are easy to use and small enough to move and rotate. While you can grow other plans in these grow bags, the openings and spacing are perfect for strawberries.
The grow bags have good drainage but tend to dry out quickly so have a plan for watering or irrigation is important. Of all our current strawberry planters we’re using, the strawberries in this planter are doing the best.
This is a great budget option.
Pros
- Made from durable fabric
- Reinforced carry handles for easy moving
- Permeable fabric for draining
Cons
- Pockets are small and difficult to plant inside
- Need additional watering
5-Tier Strawberry Planter Pot
This is a great strawberry planter if you are looking for options. You can simply add addition layer to get a taller tower or keep your tower short.
The tower is very compact making it a great option if you are very limited on spa, and the tower itself gives you space for over 20 plants.
This tower can also be used for other plants and keeps plants far enough apart for root development – plus the hole in the based provide excellent drainage.
Pros
- Requires minimal space – perfect for a deck
- Self standing
- Made with food-grade plastic
- Adjustable layers
Cons
- Can be difficult to move and rotate once planted
Stackable Herb Garden Planter Set
This is another stackable herb garden with enough space for some strawberry plants. This is a 3 tier planter so you don’t need to worry as much about it tipping over. It also comes in white instead of the terracotta.
Like most of the towers and strawberry planters on this list, you will need to water frequently.
Pros
- Self standing
- Works well in small spaces
- Attractive and sturdy
Cons
Small size can limit root growth
Vertical Raised Garden Bed
This sturdy strawberry planter works well to grow a number of plants. With relatively deep containers you can grow strawberries in. The planter can be a little hard to assemble, but once together is strong for inside or outside use.
My favorite part of this planter is you can face all your plants to the south towards the sun unlike other planters that need to be rotated. This is the best strawberry planter if you have a part of your deck, porch or balcony and can put this planter facing south.
You can also see a wooden version similar to this here.
Pros
- Good sunlight for all plants
- Sturdy for indoors or outdoors
- Comes in many colors
Cons
- Works best facing South
- Difficult to assemble
Raised Stacked Bed
This raised bed or pyramid strawberry planter is easy to make yourself or you can buy it online. It has plenty of room for strawberry plants and is generally kept in a more permanent position.
See directions on how to make this DIY Strawberry planter on our website, or find similar plans online.
We built this planter in under 1 hour with basic materials and added some irrigation to make it easy to take care of.
Pros
- Provides more growth for roots than other planters
- Is attractive and customizable
Cons
- Can’t move once planted
- Works best in a garden
PVC Strawberry Planter
This is a very easy strawberry planter to build on your own. Simple cut a piece of large PVC, drill some holes and place it directly in a pot of in the ground.
This can be cost effective, especially if you already have some of the supplies. This planter is small and can hold about 5 strawberry plants.
Pros
- Easy to build
- Retains water slightly better than wood
- Cost Effective
Cons
- Can only hold a few plants
- Can become to top heavy depending on the height
Wooden Strawberry Tower
This wooden strawberry tower is attractive and an excellent option for growing additional strawberries in a small place. Depending on the size of your tower, you can grow at least 10 strawberry plants in a small space.
This is so easy to build with free plans, and you can also purchase this tower already assembled.
Pros
- Easy to build and adjustable
- Attractive
Cons
- Depending on size of tower can be top heavy.
- Soil may drain out holes over time
Galvanized Heavy Gauge Steel Hanging Strawberry Floral Planter
Many people grow strawberries in hanging baskets. While there are a few negatives to this approach (small size/sturdiness) this hanging basket is big enough and sturdy enough for a few strawberry plants.
This pretty basket is perfect to hang in a sunny spot and can support several strawberry plants.
Pros
- Sturdy
- Pretty hanging basket
- Larger than it looks in the photo
Cons
- Needs frequent watering
- Only enough space for a few plants
Tips for Successful Strawberry Planting in Different Planters
Below you can see general information for growing strawberries in a planter. You can also see our favorite strawberry varieties to help you choose the best strawberry plants.
Soil Preparation and Planting Techniques
- Choose a well-draining potting mix rich in organic matter for your strawberry planters. This will provide the necessary nutrients and ensure proper water drainage. I like to combine a compost with potting soil.
- Before planting, loosen the soil in the planter to improve aeration and root penetration. Remove any weeds or debris that may hinder the growth of your strawberry plants. Before planting water the soil to allow it to settle a bit, otherwise you soil will settle over time and the plants will sink into the planter.
- When planting, space the strawberry plants adequately, allowing enough room for the plants to spread and develop. Place the plants at the same depth as they were in their nursery containers, ensuring the crown is slightly above the soil surface. This can be hard to do inside the planter.
Watering and Moisture Control
- Regularly water your strawberry plants to keep the soil evenly moist, but avoid overwatering, as it can lead to root rot. Check the moisture level by sticking your finger into the soil to a depth of one inch – if it feels dry, it’s time to water.
- Use a drip irrigation system or water the plants at the base to avoid wetting the foliage, as this can promote fungal diseases. Mulching around the plants with straw or wood chips will help retain moisture and reduce weed growth.
Fertilization and Nutrient Management
- Midway through the growing season, supplement the plants with an organic liquid fertilizer to boost their nutrient intake. This is optional, but more important when growing strawberries in a planter over multiple years.
- Avoid excessive fertilization, as it can lead to excessive leaf growth at the expense of fruit production. Follow the recommended dosage and frequency to prevent nutrient imbalances.
Pest and Disease Prevention
- Regularly inspect your strawberry plants for signs of pests such as aphids, slugs, or snails. Remove any affected leaves or insects manually and consider using organic pest control methods if necessary.
- To prevent common strawberry diseases like powdery mildew or gray mold, ensure good air circulation around the plants by properly spacing them. Remove any diseased leaves or fruits promptly and dispose of them properly to prevent the spread of diseases.
Pruning and Runner Management
- Remove excessive runners (long stems) to prevent overcrowding and redirect the plant’s energy towards fruit production. Allow a few healthy runners to take root and form new plants for future growth and replacement.
- Many people choose to remove all strawberries the first year to let the plants energy go back to building strong growth. We like to leave a few berries just to reward our efforts.
- Regularly monitor and remove weeds around the strawberry planters to reduce competition for nutrients and space. Weed control will help maintain the health and vigor of your strawberry plants.
See more tips for growing strawberries.
Summary of the Best Strawberry Planters
Growing strawberries is rewarding and generally easy. Even with limited space, you can easily grow a delicious crop of strawberries in one of the best strawberry planters listed above. Use the tips above for success when growing strawberries in planters.
