Growing strawberries vertically is a space-saving and accessible way to enjoy fresh, juicy berries from the comfort of your own home. Whether you have a small balcony, patio, or just a sunny spot indoors, vertical growing allows you to maximize your strawberry production without requiring a traditional garden plot. With various vertical planter options like stackable and hanging planters, you can choose the perfect setup to fit your space and start growing strawberries upwards.

Selecting the right variety of strawberries and understanding their needs is crucial for a thriving vertical strawberry tower. These plants are known for their hardiness and adaptability, flourishing in many different environments. By growing strawberries vertically, you not only make efficient use of limited space but also benefit from the ease of picking and reduced pest problems. Moreover, this method can provide an attractive green feature to your living area, brightening up your space with the promise of sweet rewards and producing high yields at harvest.

Benefits of Vertical Strawberry Gardening

Stackable planters that are ideal for growing strawberries vertically

When you decide to grow strawberries vertically, you’re signing up for a bundle of perks, especially if space is at a premium. Here are some of the core benefits you can look forward to (in addition to delicious ripe strawberries!):

  • Space Efficiency: One of the most compelling reasons to grow strawberries vertically is the efficient use of space. Whether you have a small backyard, a tiny balcony, or even just a windowsill, vertical gardens allow you to maximize your growing area. You can cultivate a large number of plants within just a few square feet by stacking them upward. Vertical structures like strawberry towers, a vertical strawberry planter or wall planters are perfect for this.
  • Improved Pest and Disease Management: Vertical farming keeps your strawberry plants off the ground, which naturally reduces the risk of soil-borne diseases and pest infestations. By growing them upwards, you minimize the contact strawberries have with critters that would otherwise enjoy snacking on your sweet berries.
  • Ease of Harvest: Harvesting strawberries from a vertical garden is considerably easier on your back. You can comfortably pick the fruit at eye or chest level without having to hunch over and it’s a great way to save time harvesting. This ergonomic benefit also makes vertical gardening a great option if you have mobility concerns.
  • Better Air Circulation: By growing strawberries vertically, the air circulation around the plants is improved. This can contribute to healthier plants and can help prevent the onset of fungal diseases.
  • Aesthetics: Vertical gardens add a visually striking element to your space. With vibrant greens and reds of the strawberry plants and fruits, a vertical garden is not just functional but also a beautiful, living work of art.

Remember, to reap these benefits, it’s important to choose the right vertical structure and provide adequate water and nutrients to your plants. 

Essentials for Getting Started

Growing strawberries vertically can save space and enhance accessibility. Below, you’ll learn about the varieties of strawberry plants well-suited for vertical growing, the types of containers to use, and the soil and nutrients needed for strawberry success.

Choosing the Right Varieties

Delicious ripe homegrown strawberries
Credit: https://depositphotos.com/

There are lots of different types of strawberry plants available, many of which produce delicious high-quality strawberries and have high production rates. When selecting the best strawberry varieties for vertical gardens, aim for those that are hardy and have a compact growth habit. Day-neutral strawberries like ‘Seascape’ and ‘Albion’ can produce fruit throughout the growing season. Ever-bearing varieties such as ‘Quinault’ and ‘Ozark Beauty’ can also thrive in vertical setups, offering multiple harvests.

Selecting Suitable Containers

Small terracotta pot that's ideal for growing strawberries vertically on a balcony or small patio

There are a variety of planters that are designed for vertical gardening, or you can do a spot of DIY and create your own. The important thing is that your container choice should provide adequate space for roots and ensure good drainage. Some of the options to consider include:

  • Hanging Baskets: Hanging baskets are ideal for growing strawberries in, as they allow the strawberries to cascade over the sides. As a bonus, hanging strawberry plants look great too and provide a lovely splash of colour as the berries ripen.
  • PVC Pipes: an old PVC pipe can be a popular choice of container, as it can be customized with holes for planting strawberries in the sides of the pipe. 
  • Vertical Towers: Vertical tower containers are ideal for holding many plants in a small footprint. They are specifically designed for compact spaces and one of the easiest ways to grow your own strawberries at home. 
  • Raised Strawberry Bed: Buy a kit or build your own customised raised strawberry garden beds for growing fresh strawberries. They’re much easier to tend and care for when you don’t have to bend down low on the ground to look after your plants.
  • Large Containers: Large containers, such as buckets, can be upcycled to create a vertical environment for strawberries. Add holes to the sides of the bucket for strawberry plants to drape through. 
  • Vertical Bag Planters: Large bag-style planters are typically used for planting potatoes in, but they also work well for strawberries too. The best way to use them is to cut holes in the sides so that the leaves and juicy strawberries can poke through.
  • Stackable Containers: Look out for specially designed stackable planters that are designed for planting lots of strawberries. They typically come in several layers, that fit together easily so that the plants and bare roots have just the right amount of room to grow. The strawberry crops then cascade over the sides. 

Experiment to see which style of strawberry planters work best in your space, for your needs and for your chosen varieties of strawberry plants.

How to grow strawberries vertically in hanging containers

Soil and Nutrient Requirements

Strawberries favor well-draining soil rich in organic matter. Use a high-quality potting mix that retains moisture yet prevents root rot. The soil pH should be between 5.5 and 6.8. Nutrient-wise, strawberries require a balanced fertilizer, with a higher emphasis on potassium and phosphorus for fruit development. During the growing season, consider a time-release fertilizer or regular feeding with a liquid solution to ensure your plants have the nutrients they need.

Vertical Strawberry Planting Techniques

How to grow strawberries in vertical planters and hanging baskets

​When it comes to planting your strawberries, there are various vertical planting techniques that you can employ. 

Layering Methods

When planning to grow strawberries vertically, consider the layering method that fits your space and budget. For example, stackable planters are very popular due to their ease of use and ability to accommodate many plants in a small footprint. Another innovative option is growing strawberries in gutters, which can be mounted against a wall or fence.

Using Vertical Structures

Utilizing vertical structures is all about creativity and making good use of available space. You can employ a PVC strawberry tower with holes drilled for plants, creating a compact and high-yielding garden piece. Another excellent solution involves hanging planters, which can be suspended from balconies or patios, enabling strawberries to grow downwards.

Irrigation Considerations

Proper irrigation is vital for vertical gardens to thrive. Drip irrigation systems work well as they deliver water directly to the roots with minimal waste. For stackable and hanging planters, ensure that the water can drain from the top to the lower levels, so all plants receive adequate moisture without the risk of overwatering. Depending on the location of your planter, you may be able to make use of rain gutters to create your own drip system to water your plants with rainwater. 

Maintenance of Vertical Strawberry Plants

Caring for your vertical strawberry plants involves consistent upkeep to ensure they thrive. Your plants will need regular pruning, protection from pests and diseases, and seasonal adjustments to meet their growth cycle needs.

Wall planters used for growing strawberries vertically.
Credit: https://depositphotos.com/

Pruning and Training

Pruning is essential to maintain plant health and encourage productive fruiting. You’ll want to remove any dead or diseased leaves and trim off runners, unless you’re using them for propagation. Regularly check for and remove these to keep your plants neat and airflow optimal, which helps reduce disease risk.

Pest and Disease Management

In terms of pest and disease management, it’s critical to be vigilant. Inspect your strawberry plants often for signs of trouble, such as discolored leaves or the presence of insects. Organic pesticides like neem oil can be effective for controlling common pests like aphids and spider mites. Remember to remove any infected plants immediately to prevent the spread of diseases.

Seasonal Care

Lastly, seasonal care for your strawberries involves adapting to changing weather. During hot summers, ensure your plants receive ample water without becoming waterlogged. As the cold season approaches, you may need to protect your plants from frost by bringing them inside or covering them if your setup is permanent. In spring, add a fresh layer of compost to replenish nutrients and prepare for the growing season. When winterizing, be sure to check strategies for overwintering strawberries, such as mulching, to keep them protected.

Harvesting and Storing Strawberries Grown Vertically

When you grow strawberries vertically, harvesting becomes more ergonomic since you can pick fruits at a comfortable standing height. Keep an eye out for berries that are fully red and plump—this indicates they’re ready to be picked. It’s best to harvest in the cool of the morning to ensure the strawberries retain their firmness and flavor.

  • Harvesting Tips:
    • Pick strawberries when they are dry to avoid spoilage.
    • Gently twist the berries off the stem to avoid bruising.
    • Regularly harvest to encourage new berry production.

For storing strawberries after harvesting from your vertical garden, air circulation is key to prevent mold. Use shallow containers to avoid squishing your berries and to allow them to breathe.

  • Storing Guidelines:
    • Refrigerate your strawberries in a crisper drawer set at high humidity.
    • Place a paper towel at the bottom of the container to absorb excess moisture.
    • Do not wash berries until you’re ready to eat them, as moisture can speed up spoilage.

If your harvest is abundant, consider freezing your strawberries for long-term storage:

  1. Wash and hull the berries.
  2. Place them in a single layer on a baking sheet to freeze.
  3. Once frozen, transfer strawberries to airtight freezer bags.

Or you could make your strawberries into some delicious recipes, some of which can be frozen, like: 

  • ​Strawberry crumble
  • Strawberry jam
  • Strawberry syrup
  • Strawberry pie  
  • Strawberry meringues 
  • Strawberry tart

Remember, by using your vertical space wisely and following these simple storage techniques, you’ll enjoy fresh, delicious strawberries long after your harvest has ended.

Final Thoughts On Growing Strawberries Vertically

Growing your own strawberry fruits via a vertical growing method can be highly rewarding. Vertical strawberry farms not only make it easier to grow and harvest strawberries (no more grovelling around on the ground in strawberry fields to pick your crops!), but it’s also a very convenient method.

Many of the strawberry containers and planters look attractive and they can create an interesting feature in your garden, on your balcony or in a backyard as the mother plants grow and fruit. Even if you have little room to grow your own produce or a small space outside, the chances are that adopting a vertical growing method will enable you to get started with new plants and create a thriving strawberry growing environment. 

Happy planting! 

For more posts on growing your own fruit, check out:

How to grow strawberries in Colorado

How to grow sugar kiss melon

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