Strawberries were really my first introduction into the world of gardening, growing food and plants in general. As 14 I started working at a local orchard specifically I started in the strawberry fields. And while that little summer job started a lifelong passion for gardening it also taught me tons of knowledge on growing all sorts of things but specifically strawberries!
So below we are going to go over everything you need to know before you start trying to grow strawberries in your garden. Let’s get into it-
**Stock image! Knowledge gained from years working in the agriculture/greenhouse industry and related plants/research and all opinions below are my own!
How to Grow Strawberries: A Beginner’s Guide to Sweet Success
Steps and tips for growing strawberries:
Step 1: Choosing the Right Strawberry Type
Before you start picturing yourself skipping through a strawberry-filled paradise, you need to decide which type of strawberries to grow. Because, yes, there’s more than one kind—and they each have their own personalities.
- June-bearing strawberries are the dramatic ones. They give you one big harvest in late spring or early summer and then call it a day. If you want a major strawberry haul for jam-making or baking, these are your best bet.
- Everbearing strawberries are the chill, reliable ones. They produce two or three harvests throughout the season, so you get a steady stream of berries.
- Day-neutral strawberries don’t believe in schedules. They keep pumping out berries all season long, as long as the weather is nice. If you like a continuous supply of fresh strawberries, these are your go-to.
Step 2: Picking the Perfect Spot
Strawberries may be cute, but sadly they are not low-maintenance when it comes to sunlight. They need at least 6-8 hours of direct sunlight every day. Let’s break it down: More sun = sweeter berries. Less sun = disappointment.
If you’re growing them in the ground, find a sunny, well-drained spot. Strawberries hate soggy roots, so if your soil tends to stay wet, consider a raised bed or container to keep them on the drier side.
If you’re growing them in containers, choose a pot with drainage holes and don’t overcrowd them. Strawberries like their personal space so if they’re too crammed together, they’ll fight for nutrients, and nobody wants a berry battle 😉
Step 3: Time To Plant Them!
Now comes the fun part: actually planting your strawberries!!
We need to talk about a fair amount when it comes to planting- so let’s go over when you need to plant and tips for planting them in different situations.
When to Plant
- Spring is the best time to plant strawberries if you want a summer harvest.
- If you live in a warmer climate, you can plant in the fall for early berries next year. I believe it’s zone 9b or higher that you can plant in the fall though unfortunately that isn’t most of us here in America 😦
How to Plant in the Ground or Raised Beds
- Prepare the soil: Strawberries love rich, well-draining soil. Add compost or aged manure to make them extra happy.
- Plant them at the right depth: The crown (where the leaves meet the roots) should be at soil level. Lets keep it simple… Too deep = suffocated plant. Too shallow = dried-out roots.
- Give them space: Keep plants 12-18 inches apart because they like to spread out.
How to Plant in Containers
- Use a wide, shallow container (strawberries have shallow roots too deep of a container and the water will sit at the bottom and not properly water the roots).
- Fill with high-quality potting mix, not regular garden soil (too heavy for strawberries, they are on the delicate side).
- Make sure there are drainage holes so your berries don’t drown!!
Step 4: Watering Strawberry Plants
Strawberries are not desert plants, but they also hate soaking. You need to find that sweet spot where the soil is moist but not soggy which I know is annoying but it’s essential to actually producing strawberries. If you get frustrated with the balancing act just remind yourself how sweet that first harvest will be!
- Water deeply but infrequently, I recommend about one inch of water per week.
- If it’s hot and dry, water more often. If it’s cool and rainy, ease up.
- Morning watering is best, so the leaves dry out during the day and don’t invite fungal diseases to the party.
If you’re growing them in containers, they dry out faster, so check daily and water when the top inch of soil feels dry.
Step 5: Pests and Disease Prevention
Strawberries attract all kinds of hungry pests, from aphids to birds to slugs. It’s basically an all-you-can-eat buffet if you’re not careful!!
How to Protect Your Berries:
- Birds stealing your strawberries? Cover plants with netting or row covers.
- Slugs ruining them? Sprinkle diatomaceous earth or crushed eggshells around your plants.
- Aphids hanging around? Spray with neem oil or introduce ladybugs (they love snacking on aphids) if you are feeling ambitious.
Fungal diseases like powdery mildew can also be a problem, so avoid watering the leaves and give your plants good airflow by spacing them properly.
Step 6: Harvesting Your Strawberries Like a Pro
Finally guys it’s the moment you’ve been waiting for. How do you know when your strawberries are ready to pick? Well from years of picking strawberries I believe there is two key things to look for-
They should be fully red: no green or white patches AND
They should feel firm, but not rock-hard.
Pick them in the morning when they’re at peak sweetness, and don’t wash them until you’re ready to eat (water makes them spoil faster).
And now it’s time to enjoy your delicious strawberry harvest!
Talk Plant To Me
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