Are you looking to grow delicious and wonderful strawberries in your own backyard farm? Perhaps you are hoping to grow strawberries in a vertical planter or in a raised bed, or maybe you planted strawberries and are looking for ideas to improve the growth of your strawberry patch. These essential tips for growing strawberries will help maximize you strawberry harvest. You can also find some general information about growing strawberries as well as some trouble shooting for strawberry problems.
In this article, we will share seven invaluable tips for growing strawberries that will guide you in successfully growing strawberries in your garden. Whether you’re a seasoned green thumb or a beginner, these expert tips will ensure your strawberry plants thrive and yield a bountiful harvest. We’ve been growing strawberries for many years and have tried many varieties and methods and will share everything we’ve learned. So grab your gardening tools and let’s dive into the world of strawberry cultivation!
You might also like: A Complete Guide to Growing the Best Strawberries.
Contents
7 Tips for Growing Strawberries
1 Choose the Right Strawberry Variety: The first step to a successful strawberry harvest is selecting the right variety. Consider factors like climate, available space, and desired harvest timeframe. Popular strawberry varieties include ‘Chandler,’ ‘Eversweet,’ and ‘Albion.’ Each variety has its own unique characteristics, so choose one that suits your preferences and growing conditions. We like to buy our plants from Fedco trees and seeds, but you can find strawberry plants available widely.
See some of the best strawberry varieties.
2. Find the Perfect Spot for Planting: Strawberries love sunlight! Choose a location in your garden that receives at least six to eight hours of direct sunlight daily. Ensure the soil is well-draining and rich in organic matter. Raised beds or containers can be excellent options if your soil quality is poor or you have limited space. You can find lots of suggestions for how to grow your strawberries vertically or the Best Strawberry Planters for growing strawberries in containers.
3. Prepare the Soil: Before planting, prepare the soil to provide a nutrient-rich foundation for your strawberry plants. Clear the area of weeds, rocks, and debris. Work in compost or well-rotted manure to improve soil fertility and structure. Ensure the pH level is between 5.5 and 7, as strawberries prefer slightly acidic soil. Strawberries are more forgiving than other fruit (like blueberries) but thrive with the right growing conditions.
4. Plant Properly: When planting strawberries, space them approximately 12 to 18 inches apart, with rows around 2 to 3 feet apart. Dig holes wide and deep enough to accommodate the plant’s roots. Place the strawberry plant in the hole, making sure the crown (the point where the stem meets the roots) sits level with the soil surface. Gently backfill the hole, firming the soil around the plant.
If you are growing in raised beds, you can grow strawberries slight closer together. See more details on planting bare root strawberries.
5. Water Wisely: Strawberry plants need consistent moisture, especially during the growing season. Water deeply but avoid overwatering, as strawberries are susceptible to root diseases in soggy soil. A general rule of thumb is to provide around 1 inch of water per week. Mulching around the plants helps retain moisture, suppress weeds, and protect the berries from direct contact with the soil.
6. Maintain and Protect: Regular maintenance is vital for healthy strawberry plants. Weed regularly to prevent competition for nutrients and water. Strawberries are also vulnerable to pests like slugs, snails, and aphids. Consider using natural pest control methods or introducing beneficial insects to keep these nuisances at bay. Inspect your plants regularly for any signs of disease, and promptly address any issues that arise. Keeping your strawberry patch well weeded as this can help with pests, and reduces competition for sun, nutrients and water.
7. Harvest with Care: The moment you’ve been eagerly waiting for has arrived – harvest time! Pick your strawberries when they are fully ripe and have reached their maximum color. Gently twist or cut the stem with scissors to avoid damaging the plant. Harvesting regularly encourages continued fruit production. Remember, freshly picked strawberries are a true delight, so savor them straight from the garden or use them in your favorite recipes.
Welcome to the Backyard Farming Connection! I'm Gretchen, and for 15 years, I've embraced homesteading and backyard farming. Our platform, created over a decade ago, shares our journey and valuable insights in growing food, raising animals, sustainability, and homestead skills. Trust that everything on our site is well-researched and practiced by us. Let's learn and grow together! Learn more about how to Start your Own Backyard Farm.
Growing Strawberries 101
These tips for growing strawberries are a great way to get started with you own strawberry patch. For a complete guide to growing strawberries, check out our post on Growing Strawberries.
Growing strawberries can be a rewarding and delicious addition to your garden. To start, select a sunny location with well-draining soil. Prepare the soil by removing any weeds and adding organic matter, such as compost, to improve its fertility. Consider planting strawberries in raised beds or containers if your soil quality is poor or if you have limited space.
When it comes to planting, choose either bare root plants or healthy nursery transplants. Space the plants according to the recommended guidelines, usually around 12 to 18 inches apart, to allow for proper airflow and prevent overcrowding. Ensure that the crown of the strawberry plant sits slightly above the soil level to avoid rotting. Water the plants thoroughly after planting, and provide consistent moisture throughout the growing season, aiming for 1 to 1.5 inches of water per week. Applying a layer of mulch around the plants helps retain moisture, suppress weeds, and maintain a more even soil temperature.
Monitor the plants for pests and diseases, and take appropriate measures, such as using organic pest control methods or removing infected plants, to maintain their health. Finally, be patient as the plants establish themselves, and soon you’ll be rewarded with a bountiful harvest of sweet and juicy strawberries.
Common Problems and Solutions when Growing Strawberries
Below you can see some of the most common problems and challenges when growing strawberries. While the top tips for growing strawberries above will get you off to a good start, these problems and solutions will help address issues as they come up.
Pest Infestation: Common pests like aphids, slugs, or strawberry root weevils can damage strawberry plants.
Solution: Use organic insecticides or companion plants like marigolds to repel pests, and manually remove them if necessary.
Fungal Diseases: Diseases like gray mold (Botrytis cinerea) or powdery mildew (Podosphaera aphanis) can affect strawberries, especially in humid conditions.
Solution: Provide proper air circulation, avoid over-watering, and apply fungicides as recommended to prevent or treat fungal infections.
Fruit Rot: Strawberries are susceptible to fruit rot caused by fungi such as Rhizopus or Colletotrichum.
Solution: Remove infected fruits promptly, improve air circulation, and ensure the plants have adequate spacing.
Soil-Borne Diseases: Diseases like Verticillium wilt or root rot can affect strawberries if the soil is contaminated. Solution: Practice crop rotation, use disease-resistant varieties, and ensure proper soil drainage and health.
Bird Damage: Birds are attracted to ripe strawberries and can cause significant damage.
Solution: Use bird netting or visual deterrents like reflective tape or scarecrows to protect the berries.
Improper Pollination: Inadequate pollination can lead to misshapen or underdeveloped strawberries.
Solution: Attract pollinators by planting flowers nearby or manually hand-pollinate the flowers using a small brush.
Nutrient Deficiencies: Lack of essential nutrients like nitrogen, phosphorus, or potassium can affect strawberry growth and fruit production.
Solution: Regularly fertilize the plants with balanced organic fertilizers or compost to provide necessary nutrients.
Improper Watering: Over or under-watering can cause root rot, stress the plants, or affect fruit quality.
Solution: Monitor soil moisture levels and water consistently, ensuring the soil is moist but not waterlogged.
Weed Competition: Weeds can compete with strawberries for nutrients and water, affecting their growth.
Solution: Regularly weed the strawberry bed, applying mulch to suppress weed growth and conserve soil moisture.
Environmental Factors: Extreme weather conditions like frost, heatwaves, or strong winds can damage strawberry plants.
Solution: Provide protective covers during extreme weather events, or choose varieties suitable for the local climate.
Remember to adapt the solutions based on the specific needs and conditions of your strawberry plants, and consult local gardening experts or resources for further guidance.
Summary
Growing your own strawberries is an immensely rewarding experience. By following these seven tips for growing strawberries, you’ll be well-equipped to cultivate thriving strawberry plants and enjoy a bumper harvest. Remember to choose the right variety, find a sunny spot, prepare the soil, plant carefully, water wisely, maintain your plants diligently, and harvest with care. Now it’s time to roll up your sleeves, get your hands dirty, and witness the transformation of your garden into a strawberry paradise!
Happy growing!
