TheNaturePlanet

To keep potted strawberries thriving and producing plenty of fruits in winter, just master these key points—even beginners can handle it easily.

**Temperature**: Strawberries are sensitive to cold and extreme temperature fluctuations. When the temperature drops below 5°C, their roots are prone to frost damage, and the leaves will wilt and turn purple.

- In northern regions, place them in a room with heating. In southern regions, keep them away from direct cold winds; you can cover them with a plastic bag at night for insulation (remember to leave air holes).
- Keep them away from air conditioner vents and heating sources to avoid "stress" caused by sudden temperature changes.


**Light**: Strawberries are sun-loving plants. Insufficient light can lead to excessive growth of branches and leaves, as well as fewer flowers.

- Place them on a south-facing balcony to ensure 6-8 hours of sunlight daily—this will make the fruits sweeter.
- If the enclosed balcony has poor light, add a grow light. Supplement light for 4-6 hours a day, keeping the light 30-50 cm away from the plants.


**Potting Soil**: Strawberries have delicate roots, so the soil must be loose and well-draining to prevent waterlogging.

- Recommended formula: Peat soil + perlite (3:1), or general nutrient soil mixed with 10% perlite. A slightly acidic environment is more suitable for their growth.
- Use a breathable pot with a diameter of 20-30 cm, and drill more holes at the bottom to prevent water accumulation.


**Fertilization**: Strawberries like fertilizer but are sensitive to fertilizer burn.

- The principle is "small, frequent meals": When planting, bury some腐熟 sheep manure or slow-release fertilizer as base fertilizer, keeping it 5 cm away from the roots.
- When leaves are growing, water with diluted nitrogen fertilizer (such as soybean cake water). After flower buds appear, switch to phosphorus and potassium fertilizer (1000x diluted potassium dihydrogen phosphate solution), applying it once every 10 days.
- Always keep the concentration low rather than high. If fertilizer gets on the roots or leaves, rinse them with clean water immediately.


**Watering**: Water only when the soil is dry, and avoid splashing water on flowers and fruits.

- Water when the soil 2 cm below the surface is dry. In winter, water once every 5-7 days to prevent root rot from waterlogging.
- Water along the edge of the pot or use the bottom-watering method. Do not splash water on flowers and fruits to avoid rotting.
- Use tap water that has been left to stand, and it’s best if the water temperature is close to room temperature.


**Key Reminders**: Do not use overly concentrated fertilizer—rinse the roots with clean water immediately if fertilizer gets on them. Be gentle when repotting; prune rotten roots, disinfect them, and then repot. After fruiting, spread a layer of hay to protect the roots and prevent fruits from touching the soil.

By following these tips, you can grow potted strawberries filled with red, ripe fruits even in winter.