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Overwintering Pots on strawberry
What's Happening
Strawberry roots in elevated containers lack the thermal mass of the ground. In USDA zones 6 and below, hard freezes can kill the roots if left unprotected on an open balcony.
How to Fix It
- 1
Move the pots to an unheated but sheltered garage or shed once they go dormant (after the first hard frost).
- 2
If leaving outside, bury the pots in a box filled with dry leaves, straw, or mulch to insulate the roots.
- 3
Water very sparingly (once a month) during winter just to keep the soil from becoming bone dry.
How to Prevent It
Avoid heavily fertilizing in late fall, which prompts tender new growth that easily freezes.
Related Problems
Same Problem on Other Plants
Frequently Asked Questions
What causes overwintering pots on my plant?
Strawberry roots in elevated containers lack the thermal mass of the ground. In USDA zones 6 and below, hard freezes can kill the roots if left unprotected on an open balcony.
How do I fix overwintering pots?
Move the pots to an unheated but sheltered garage or shed once they go dormant (after the first hard frost).. If leaving outside, bury the pots in a box filled with dry leaves, straw, or mulch to insulate the roots..
How do I prevent overwintering pots from happening again?
Avoid heavily fertilizing in late fall, which prompts tender new growth that easily freezes.