To plant strawberries successfully, follow these key steps:
Site and Soil Preparation
- Choose a location with full sun, at least 6 to 8 hours daily, for best fruit production
- Ensure the soil is well-drained, loamy, and slightly acidic with a pH between 5.5 and 6.8
- Remove all weeds before planting and amend the soil with compost or organic matter to enrich it
Planting Time
- Plant strawberries in early spring as soon as the soil can be worked or in late summer/early autumn for cooler climates to allow establishment before fruiting
Planting Method
- Dig holes large enough to spread roots without bending or twisting.
- Place the strawberry plant so the crown (where roots meet shoots) is at soil level-half buried with roots covered but the crown above soil to prevent rot or drying out
- Space plants about 12 to 18 inches apart if you plan to allow runners, or about 12 inches if removing runners to encourage bigger fruit
- Rows should be spaced about 30 to 36 inches apart to allow airflow and room for growth
Watering and Care
- Water plants well immediately after planting to settle soil around roots
- Maintain consistent moisture but avoid waterlogging; about 1 inch of water per week is ideal
- Mulch around plants to retain moisture, suppress weeds, and keep fruit clean
- Remove runners and flowers in the first year for June-bearing varieties to encourage strong root and plant development
Additional Tips
- Choose strawberry varieties suited to your climate and desired harvest time: June-bearing for a large single harvest, everbearing or day-neutral for multiple smaller harvests
- Consider planting in raised beds or containers if soil drainage is poor or space is limited
- Protect plants from pests like slugs and birds with physical barriers or organic controls
By following these steps, you can establish healthy strawberry plants that will produce sweet, abundant fruit over the growing season
