Strawberries are a delicious and rewarding crop to grow in home gardens. With proper care, most varieties will produce sweet, juicy berries within the first year. Strawberries can be grown in beds, containers, hanging baskets, and hydroponic systems to fit any outdoor or indoor space. The plants thrive in sunny spots and require well-drained soil rich in organic matter.
With some basic gardening skills, anyone can cultivate a bountiful strawberry patch that will bear fruit year after year. This guide covers tips for choosing suitable strawberry varieties, preparing and caring for plants, maximizing yields, and troubleshooting common problems. Follow these best practices for growing scrumptious, homegrown strawberries successfully.
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What You Should Know before Growing Strawberries?
Growing sweet, abundant strawberries starts with careful planning and preparation before ever putting plants in the ground. Strawberries require very specific site characteristics, soils, sunlight, irrigation, and protection from threats in order to thrive.
Here are the key things every aspiring strawberry farmer should know before purchasing plants:
- Select varieties suited to your climate and growing conditions. There are June-bearing, overbearing, and day-neutral types to provide harvests from spring through fall based on your location and needs. Research recommended varieties and maturation times for your region.
- Strawberries thrive best in full sun, with at least 6 hours of direct light daily. Identify sunny spots protected from strong winds before planting. Ensure the site does not have excessive shade that could reduce yields.
- They require well-drained soil with a pH between 5.5-6.8. Test soil and amend with compost or fertilizer to reach optimal conditions. Drainage is key to prevent root rot. Raised beds can improve drainage.
- Consider irrigation needs for adequate moisture. Drip systems or soaker hoses work well. Mulch to conserve soil moisture. Consistent watering is vital, especially during flowering and fruiting. Let soil dry slightly between waterings.
- Prepare garden beds or containers with nutrient-rich potting mix a few weeks before planting. Mix in compost to improve drainage. Remove weeds, rocks and debris. Dig in organic matter to enrich the soil.
- Assess pest and disease threats based on your area. Preventive measures may be needed to protect plants. Identify common local pests like spider mites, aphids, slugs, and snails. Have an integrated pest management plan in place to deal with any infestations.
- Choose disease-resistant cultivars and use certified disease-free plants when possible. This reduces the likelihood of plant losses. Select cultivars with resistance to prevalent fungal diseases like leaf spot, botrytis fruit rot, and verticillium wilt.
- Determine optimal planting times and schedules for your climate. Strawberries are frost-sensitive and require specific conditions. Research local frost dates and best planting times for your specific USDA growing zone. Time plantings for fruit production during your desired harvest window.
- Be prepared to provide frost protection, bird netting, and other measures to safeguard plants and fruit. Have row covers, cloches, low tunnels, or other protective structures ready before planting. Cold frames or mini-greenhouses can extend the growing season.
- Allow sufficient space for the mature size of selected varieties. Plant in beds, raised beds, containers, hanging baskets, or hydroponic systems with adequate room for growth and picking. Spacing depends on variety but allow at least 15–18 inches between plants.
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Where Should I Plant My Strawberries?
Selecting the optimal planting site is one of the most important factors in growing vigorous, high-yielding strawberry plants. This sun-loving and sensitive fruit requires very specific conditions to thrive.
Consider the following criteria carefully when choosing strawberry planting locations:
- Sun exposure. Strawberries require at least 6–8 hours of direct sunlight daily. Plant them in open, sunny spaces with no shade cast by trees, buildings or other plants. Morning sun is essential for drying dew from leaves to prevent diseases. Avoid areas that get shaded before mid-afternoon.
- Soil quality. They thrive in slightly acidic, sandy loam soil enriched with compost. Avoid heavy clay soils. Test soil pH and add amendments like elemental sulfur to reach ideal acidity levels around 5.5-6.5. Improve drainage in clay soils before planting.
- Excellent drainage is crucial to prevent wet roots and fungal issues. Plant in raised beds or rows on slopes to improve drainage. Incorporate compost or peat moss to lighten heavy soils. Make sure water does not puddle but drains away from plants.
- Air circulation. Allow 1–2 feet between rows or containers, and prune plants to encourage air flow. This quickens drying time after rain or watering and deters mold and rot. Orient rows perpendicular to prevailing winds for maximum circulation. Thin dense foliage to facilitate air movement.
- Frost protection. Plant in sites with some buffering from harsh winds that could damage flowers and fruits. Use row covers or hot caps to protect against spring frosts. Avoid frost pockets that collect cold air. Choose elevated, south-facing sites when possible.
- Consider easy accessibility for care, harvest, and enjoyment. Plant in garden beds, containers, or hanging baskets located close to your home. Prioritize easy-to-reach areas for convenience.
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The Best Time for Planting Strawberries
Determining the optimal planting time is crucial for strawberry success. This depends on your USDA planting zone and local seasonal weather patterns. Strawberries should be planted in late summer or early fall in zones 3-8. This allows the plants to establish deep roots before winter dormancy, then put out vigorous growth when conditions warm in spring.
Specifically, aim to plant strawberries 4–6 weeks before the average first frost date for your area. In zones 9-11 with milder climates, strawberries are often planted in late fall through early winter. Time plantings about 6–8 weeks before the average last frost date. Avoid planting during mid-summer heat, when plants are stressed and more vulnerable to diseases.
When planting in late summer or fall, be sure to provide extra care and protection for new plants. Use row cover fabric or cloches when cold weather arrives to shield plants from hard freezes. Winter mulching with straw or pine needles after the ground has frozen also protects root systems.
For greatest success, give new transplants and bare root plants plenty of time to get well established before cold temperatures halt growth. With the right planting timing for your zone, strawberries will flourish and produce bountiful summer harvests.
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A Guide for Growing Strawberries
Growing juicy, sweet strawberries in your own backyard can be a very rewarding experience. With some planning and care, you’ll be enjoying homegrown strawberries all summer long. This guide will walk you through the key steps to get your strawberry patch up and running.
Selecting Strawberry Varieties
When starting your strawberry patch, the first decision is choosing which variety or varieties to plant. Strawberry plants come in three main types — June-bearing, everbearing, and day-neutral. June-bearing strawberries produce one big crop of berries in early summer. Popular June-bearing varieties include Earliglow, Allstar, and Jewel. Everbearing strawberries produce two harvests — one in early summer and another in fall. Common everbearing types are Fort Laramie and Ogallala.
The second important choice is whether to plant bare-root plants, containerized plants, or strawberry plugs. Bare-root and containerized plants are mature plants ready to bear fruit after planting. Plugs are young starter plants that take a bit longer to establish but are less expensive.
Choosing the Best Place
One of the keys to successfully growing strawberries is siting them in the optimal location. Strawberries need at least 6 hours of direct sunlight per day. In very hot climates, afternoon shade may be beneficial. Well-drained soil with a pH between 5.5-6.5 is ideal. Prior to planting, work in several inches of compost to enrich the soil.
Strawberries are sensitive to frost and cold temperatures. In northern climates, choose a sheltered spot protected from harsh winds. Raised beds can also help protect the plants and their blooms during cold snaps. In warmer regions, a site with good air circulation will prevent diseases. Keep in mind that strawberries have a fairly small root system and require consistent moisture.
Strawberry Planting Systems
There are several planting systems that can be used for strawberries. The most common are matted rows, spaced matts, and hill systems. With the matted row system, plants are arranged in rows with about 1–2 feet between plants. Runners are allowed to root and fill in the bare spots. This creates dense matts of plants in the rows.
Each system has advantages and disadvantages. Matted rows produce high yields, but can be harder to maintain and harvest. Spaced matts are easier to manage with good production. Hills require less maintenance and allow for mechanized harvesting, but yields are lower. Consider your goals, space, and time when deciding on a planting system.
Preparing Gardens for Strawberries
Preparing a garden bed for strawberries well in advance of planting is an important step. Remove any existing sod or weeds. Work the soil to a depth of 8–10 inches, removing rocks or debris. Mix in 2–3 inches of finished compost or rotted manure to enrich the soil. The ideal pH range is between 5.5 and 6.5. Test soil pH and amend with lime or sulfur as needed.
Just before planting, cultivate the soil into raised beds or rows 8–12 inches high. This improves drainage and protects plants from sitting in water. Add a final layer of compost or well-rotted manure right before planting. Installing irrigation lines or drip tape before planting makes watering easier. Mulching after planting conserves moisture and suppresses weeds.
Planting Strawberry Plants
Once your strawberry beds are prepared, it’s time to get the plants in the ground. For bareroot plants, make sure they are planted as soon as possible after acquiring them. Trim any excess roots and fan out the roots in the hole. Plant crowns just above soil level. Space plants according to your planting system. Water immediately after planting.
Container plants can be planted anytime during the growing season. Gently loosen root balls before planting. Bury plants only deep enough to cover roots and set the crown at soil level. Water well after planting. Plug plants should be set at the same level they were growing in the pots. Transplant in the early morning or evening to avoid harsh sun.
Creating Optimal Conditions for Strawberries
Getting your strawberry plants off to a good start requires giving them optimal growing conditions. Consistent moisture is key, especially in the first few weeks after planting. Use drip irrigation or hand watering and avoid wetting the leaves.
Use row covers or protective tunnels early in the season to safeguard plants from late frosts. Ventilate the covers during the day to prevent overheating. Remove covers once the risk of frost has passed. Keep beds weed-free by hand pulling or using landscape fabric. Control pests like slugs, snails, and birds with appropriate methods.
Mulch around plants with straw or pine needles to retain moisture and reduce weeds. Replenish mulch as it decomposes. For winter protection in cold climates, add a new 4-6 inch layer of straw or leaves after plants go dormant. Remove some mulch in spring to allow new growth.
Fertilizing Strawberries
Proper fertilization provides strawberries with the nutrients they need for healthy growth and maximum production. When planting, mix a granular balanced fertilizer into the soil per label rates. Slow-release organic formulations are ideal to provide a steady supply of nutrients.
During the growing season, fertilize plants every 3–4 weeks. Alternate between a nitrogen-rich fertilizer to stimulate plant growth and a higher phosphorus formula to promote flowering and fruit production. Apply fertilizer around the drip line, not directly on the plant. Stop fertilizing in early fall, so plants can harden off for winter dormancy.
Protecting Strawberry Crops
Growing delicious strawberries requires protecting your crop from pests, diseases, and harsh weather. Caring for the plants properly makes them less susceptible to problems. Row covers protect from hail, frost, and bird damage. Drip irrigation avoids wetting the leaves, reducing fungal disease.
However, additional protection measures may be needed. Birds and slugs can be major strawberry pests. Use netting and slug bait as necessary. Scout plants for signs of diseases like gray mold or leaf spot, and remove and destroy affected plants. Weed control is also important to prevent pest habitat near plants. Taking a proactive approach ensures your strawberry crop stays healthy.
Harvesting Strawberries
Knowing when and how to pick strawberries ensures you enjoy perfectly ripe, delicious berries from your garden. Strawberries don’t continue ripening after picking, so it’s important to harvest them at peak ripeness. Look for berries that are fully red with a bright sheen. Avoid picking partially white or green berries.
Use clean hands to gently twist off ripe berries, leaving the stem cap attached to avoid damaging the plant. Pick every 2–3 days during peak season. Early morning is ideal picking time when berries are coolest. Use shallow containers to avoid bruising or crushing berries. Refrigerate any berries not eaten or used right away.
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What Types of Strawberries Can I Grow in My Garden?
There are many tasty strawberry varieties that can thrive in home gardens. Here are some top types to consider planting:
- Baron Solemacher. It features large, bright red berries with excellent sweet flavor. This June-bearing variety produces high yields and maintains fruit quality even in hot weather. Baron Solemacher plants are vigorous and disease-resistant.
- An early season strawberry, Earliglow bears its crop in late spring to early summer. The berries are medium-large with good flavor and texture. Earliglow is known for its winter hardiness and resistance to leaf spot. This variety performs well in colder climates.
- Giant Robinson. As its name implies, Giant Robinson yields extra-large strawberries up to 2 inches across. The berries ripen in midseason with sweet, aromatic flavor. This vigorous, winter-hardy plant resists disease and bears heavily. Giant Robinson requires good drainage.
- A popular June-bearing strawberry prized for its big, juicy berries and high yields. The conical berries have a sweet, aromatic flavor. Honeyoye plants are winter hardy and highly productive in most growing zones. They have some disease resistance.
- Pink Panda. It is a unique variety that bears light pink berries. The conical fruits have a mild, sweet flavor. Pink Panda plants are vigorous and high-yielding. They produce berries throughout the summer in warmer climates.
- Pineapple Crush. It is an everbearing strawberry prized for its exceptional pineapple-like flavor. The large, soft berries ripen over an extended season. Pineapple Crush plants are moderately vigorous and benefit from regular fertilization. The berries store well after picking.
- It is an early season strawberry that produces high yields of glossy, medium-large berries. This variety is known for excellent flavor and texture. Redchief plants are cold hardy and resistant to root rot. Berries ripen over a 2-3 week period.
- Bears attractive, large, conical berries with vibrant red color. The berries have firm texture and a balanced, sweet flavor. Sparkle is a high-yielding, June-bearing variety suitable for preserves. The plants thrive in various climates.
- This is a day-neutral strawberry prized for its flavor and yield. The large, firm berries have excellent sugar and acid balance. Tribute produces abundantly spring through fall in mild zones. The plants tolerate heat well, but require regular irrigation.
- A compact everbearing strawberry variety ideal for containers and small spaces. The plants yield sweet, aromatic berries continuously from summer until frost. Tristar is high-yielding for its size but susceptible to disease in humid climates.
How to Care for Strawberries Properly?
Caring for strawberry plants properly is essential to get an abundant harvest of sweet, juicy berries from your patch. Like any fruiting plant, strawberries have some specific needs when it comes to light, soil, water, temperature, and humidity. Meeting these requirements will keep your strawberry plants healthy and highly productive.
Light Requirements
Strawberries require plenty of full sun to thrive. They should receive at least 6–8 hours of direct sunlight per day. More sun exposure results in higher yields. When choosing a planting site or positioning containers, pick a location with maximum sunlight.
Morning sun is especially important for drying dew from the leaves quickly. Afternoon shade can protect berries from getting overheated in very hot climates. If needed, use shade cloth or netting to provide a break from intense midday sun. Rotating containers periodically ensures the plants don’t get too one-sided. Proper sunlight is vital for robust strawberry growth.
Soil and Water Needs
Strawberries prefer loamy, sandy soil with a pH between 5.5-6.5. Adding compost improves moisture retention and nutrient content in the soil. Good drainage is absolutely essential to prevent root rot. Amend dense clay soils with organic material to create a loose texture.
Consistent moisture is crucial, especially when flowers and berries are forming. Drip irrigation delivers water efficiently to the roots without wetting the leaves. Apply 1–2 inches of water per week. Avoid overwatering, which can lead to diseases. Mulch around plants to retain soil moisture. With the right soil and ample water, your strawberries will flourish.
Ideal Temperature and Humidity
Strawberries thrive best with daytime temperatures of 70-80°F and nighttime lows around 45-55°F once established. Avoid planting too early, when cold snaps may damage blossoms. Use row covers or tunnels to protect from frost. In hot climates, provide afternoon shade if temperatures will consistently exceed 85°F.
Moderate humidity around 60-70% is ideal. Promote good air circulation with proper spacing and pruning. Drip irrigation prevents excess moisture on leaves. Proper humidity and temperature optimization results in higher fruit quality and better plant health.
Fertilizer Recommendations
Fertilizing is important to provide strawberries with necessary nutrients for optimal growth and productivity. Conduct a soil test to determine existing nutrient levels. Pre-plant, mix in compost and a balanced organic fertilizer.
During growth, use a nitrogen-rich fertilizer to stimulate plant development. As flowers appear, switch to one higher in phosphorus to support fruit formation. Foliar sprays deliver nutrients quickly. Fish emulsion provides micronutrients. Always follow label directions. Overfertilization can damage plants and contaminate berries. With the right fertilizers properly applied, your strawberries will bear abundant fruit.
Pruning Techniques
Pruning strawberry plants encourages new growth and improves yield and quality. First, remove old leaves, dead branches, and unwanted runners regularly. This improves air circulation and light penetration. Next, thin dense foliage in early spring to allow for new growth.
Pruning after harvest stimulates new flower buds for the next crop. Cut each plant back to a height of 3–4 inches above the crown. Remove weeds around plants and any foliage showing disease. Discard debris to prevent spreading pests and disease. Proper pruning provides plants an invigorating restart while controlling disease and pests.
Potting and Repotting Tips
For container-grown strawberries, start with a high-quality potting mix amended with compost. Choose containers at least 8–12 inches deep with drainage holes. Remove root-bound plants from old pots and loosen the roots. Place into new containers 1–2 inches wider.
Repot plants each year to refresh soil and provide more room for growth. Transition to larger pots gradually. After repotting, water well and let plants recover in shade for a few days before returning to full sun. With good potting practices, container strawberries will stay healthy and productive for many seasons.
Common Problems When Growing Strawberries
While strawberries are relatively easy to grow, they can face some common issues. Being aware of these potential problems can help you take preventative or corrective action in your garden:
- Frost injury. Strawberry blooms and fruits are vulnerable to frost damage. Temperatures below 30°F can kill emerging flowers and ruin developing berries. To prevent frost injury, choose a site with good air drainage and cold-hardy varieties. Cover plants when frost threatens.
- Gray mold. Mold is a fungal disease that causes fruit rot, especially in wet conditions. Infected berries develop fuzzy gray spores. Improve airflow around plants and avoid overhead watering to reduce gray mold. Remove and destroy affected berries promptly.
- Leaf spot. Leaf diseases like common leaf spot and angular leaf spot cause dark lesions on strawberry foliage. These fungal diseases spread rapidly in wet, humid weather. Use drip irrigation and increase spacing between plants to reduce conditions favorable for leaf spot.
- Slugs and snails. Pests feed on strawberry leaves, flowers, and fruits. These pests leave behind telltale slime trails and cause severe damage. Remove garden debris where slugs hide. Set out beer traps or bait to control populations.
- Verticillium wilt. It is a deadly fungal disease that causes stunted growth, wilting, and plant death. Symptoms often start in one section of a bed and spread. Avoid planting strawberries in spaces previously used for tomatoes, peppers, or potatoes.
- Weeds compete with strawberry plants for water, space, and nutrients. Dense weed growth can reduce yields and even kill plants. Apply mulch after planting and hand pull weeds promptly to keep beds clean. Avoid using plastic mulch, which can increase weeds long-term.
What Plants Grow Best with Strawberries?
Certain companion plants thrive alongside strawberries and offer benefits like pest control, pollination, and soil health. Here are some great options for planting with strawberries:
- Growing chives near strawberries helps repel aphids and other pests. The allium odor of chives masks the scent of strawberry plants. Chives flower at the same time as strawberries, boosting pollination. Interplant chive clumps throughout the berry patch. Cut back chives regularly to prevent overgrowth.
- It deters cabbage worms, slugs, and other insects that feed on strawberries. Its pungent scent confuses pests. Plus, sage provides beautiful contrasting flowers and foliage. For best results, scatter sage plants along the edges and in pockets among strawberries.
- It acts as a living mulch and ground cover for strawberries. The young leaves are edible too. Borage attracts pollinators with its star-shaped blue flowers. The spreading plant forms a mat around strawberry plants and keeps down weeds.
- It interplanted with strawberries provides shade for cool-weather greens. The shallow roots don’t compete much with strawberry plants. Sparkly varieties of lettuce also help repel certain pests. Harvest lettuce before hot weather causes it to bolt.
- It planted around strawberries help deter harmful nematodes, beetles, and other pests. The colorful flowers also attract pollinators like bees and butterflies. Choose compact marigold varieties like Signet to tuck in and around the berry patch. Deadhead spent blooms regularly to encourage new flowers.
- Trailing nasturtiums make excellent ground cover around strawberries. The edible flowers and leaves have a peppery flavor. Nasturtiums deter aphids, whiteflies, and other pests that plague strawberries. Plus, the bright blooms attract pollinating insects to your garden.
- Grouped around strawberries, it help repel aphids, slugs, snails, and certain beetles. The pungent onion odor masks the scent of strawberry plants. Onions don’t compete much for nutrients, and their shallow roots don’t interfere with strawberry runners. Green onions and chives work well.
- Planting thyme near strawberries helps suppress fungal diseases and earwigs. Thyme contains antiseptic compounds, and the aroma confuses pests. Let some thyme plants flower to attract more pollinators. Trim thyme regularly to prevent it from spreading into berry plants.
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FAQ
How do strawberries grow in strawberry jars?
Strawberry jars allow you to grow strawberries on a vertical, space-saving planter. The jar has pockets all around the sides where you plant one strawberry plant per pocket.
Use a quality potting mix and water the jar planter regularly, so the strawberry plants get consistent moisture. Let the strawberry runners hang down and try pinning them into empty pockets to fill out the jar with more plants. Situate the jar in full sun.
How to protect strawberries from birds?
Birds love strawberries and can decimate an unprotected berry patch. Effective solutions to protect strawberries from birds include netting the plants with bird exclusion netting, using aluminum foil or Mylar reflective tape, placing bird scare eye balloons or owls in the garden, and applying smell repellents like garlic spray. Be sure to cover the entire fruiting area with protective barriers.
How to identify when strawberries ripen?
Check strawberry fruits daily as they start to redden to gauge ripeness. Ripe, ready-to-eat strawberries will be about 3/4 to full red color. The berries should still have a bright sheen.
Give them a gentle squeeze to check for softness — ripe strawberries will yield slightly to pressure. Picked berries won't ripen further off the vine, so harvest them when fully red.
Should strawberries be stored unwashed?
Yes, it's best to store unwashed strawberries in the refrigerator. Washing strawberries right after harvest can cause them to spoil faster. The extra moisture from rinsing speeds up mold growth.
Simply place dry, unwashed berries in a vented container lined with paper towels. Refrigerate up to 3–5 days and rinse just before eating. Keeping them dry extends their fresh storage life.
How to cultivate sweeter strawberry crops?
To grow sweeter strawberries, choose naturally sweet varietals like Alpine, Mara des Bois, or Seascape. Plant in a sunny spot and space plants 12–15 inches apart for good air circulation. Use drip irrigation to provide consistent water without wetting the berries. Apply a balanced fertilizer when plants flower and again after harvest. For super sweet berries, let them fully ripen on the plant before picking.
How to maximize strawberry size?
The key to getting bigger, juicier strawberries is providing ideal growing conditions. Strawberries thrive in full sun and moist, nutrient-rich soil. Use a high-phosphorus fertilizer or bone meal at planting to encourage fruit production.
Space plants at least 12 inches apart and remove runners to direct energy into the berries. Apply mulch to suppress weeds and retain soil moisture. Pick berries as soon as they are fully ripe.
What is the expected yield per strawberry plant?
On average, a healthy, mature strawberry plant will yield 1–2 pounds of fruit per year. However, yield depends on the variety. June-bearing plants produce the heaviest crops, around 1–2 pounds per plant.
Everbearing varieties yield about 0.5-1 pound per plant. Day-neutral strawberries produce approximately 0.5 pounds per plant. With proper care, you can expect a total yield of 2–4 quarts of strawberries per plant.
How to cultivate strawberries in the second year?
In the strawberry patch's second year, remove old leaves, stems, and overcrowded plants in early spring. Thin plants to 6–12 inches apart for good air circulation and berry development. Apply a balanced fertilizer and fresh layer of mulch.
Allow June-bearers to establish daughter plants to replace mother plants after fruiting. For everbearers, continue removing runners and fertilize after each harvest. Weed and renovate beds after final fall harvest to maintain vigor.
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