Planting & Caring for Strawberries
Planting:
- Choose the right location: Strawberries prefer well-draining soil and full sun exposure. Make sure to choose a spot where the soil has a pH between 6.0 and 6.8.
- Prepare the soil: Remove any weeds, grass, or debris from the planting area and till the soil to a depth of 8 to 10 inches. If your soil is heavy with clay or sandy, mix in compost or peat moss to improve its structure.
- Soak the bare root strawberries: Before planting, soak the bare root strawberries in water for about an hour. This will help rehydrate the roots and ensure better establishment.
- Plant the strawberries: Dig a hole that is deep enough to cover the roots of the strawberry plant but not the crown (the top part of the plant where the roots and stem meet). Place the plant in the hole and spread the roots out. Backfill with soil and gently press down to remove any air pockets. Space the plants 18 to 24 inches apart.
- Mulch: After planting, add a 2 to 3 inch layer of straw or wood chips around the base of each plant to conserve moisture and suppress weeds.
- Water: Water your newly planted strawberries thoroughly, making sure to moisten the soil around the roots. During the first growing season, water the plants at least once a week, making sure to water deeply to encourage deep root growth. During dry periods, water more frequently.
Care:
- Fertilize: Once the plants have established, begin fertilizing them every 4 to 6 weeks with a balanced fertilizer.
- Prune: To encourage healthy growth and maximize fruit production, remove any runners (side shoots) that appear and trim the foliage back to about 6 inches in late winter or early spring.
- Pest control: Keep an eye out for pests such as slugs, snails, and aphids and control them as needed using organic methods.
- Harvest: Strawberries are usually ready to be harvested about 3 months after planting. Pick the berries when they are fully red and ripe.
