Planting Your New Strawberry Bush

Planting:

• Choose a location with well-draining soil, full sun, and away from any wild strawberries to avoid the spread of disease.
• Prepare the soil by removing weeds, grass, and debris, then amend with organic matter such as compost or peat moss.
• Dig a hole for each plant, making sure the depth of the hole is the same as the height of the root ball.
• Remove the plant from its container and loosen any tangled roots. Place the plant in the hole and backfill with soil.
• Water thoroughly to settle soil around the roots.
• Mulch around the base of the plants to conserve moisture and suppress weeds.

Care:

• Water regularly, keeping the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged.
• Fertilize in early spring and mid-summer with a balanced fertilizer.
• Remove any runners (offsets) that form to encourage the plants to produce more fruit and to prevent overcrowding.
• Apply a fresh layer of mulch each year to conserve moisture and suppress weeds.
• Monitor for pests and diseases and treat promptly if necessary.

Note: Strawberry bushes are perennials and will produce fruit for several years. It's a good idea to replace them every three to four years to maintain their productivity and health.