Strawberries

Growing strawberries is easy and can yield delicious results with the right care. Strawberries prefer full sun and slightly acidic, well-drained soil rich in organic matter. You can plant them in early spring, after the danger of frost has passed. Regularly remove any damaged or diseased leaves and watch for pests. With care, strawberries will reward you with a sweet harvest in late spring to early summer.

Types of Strawberries

1. June-Bearing Strawberries
   • Description: Produce a single, large crop of fruit in late spring or early summer, typically over a 2-3 week period.
   • Varieties: Popular varieties include 'Allstar,' 'Chandler,' and 'Honeoye.'
   • Best Use: Ideal for preserving, making jam, or freezing due to their large, concentrated harvest.
2. Ever-Bearing Strawberries
   • Description: Produce two to three smaller harvests, usually in early summer, mid-summer, and fall.
   • Varieties: Common varieties include 'Ozark Beauty,' 'Quinault,' and 'Eversweet.'
   • Best Use: Suitable for fresh eating, as they provide a steady supply of strawberries throughout the growing season.
3. Day-Neutral Strawberries
   • Description: Produce fruit continuously throughout the growing season, regardless of day length.
   • Varieties: Examples include 'Albion,' 'Seascape,' and 'Tristar.'
   • Best Use: Great for fresh eating and for smaller, consistent harvests.

Selecting a Planting Site

1. Sunlight
   • Requirement: Strawberries need full sun, at least 6-8 hours of direct sunlight daily, for optimal growth and fruit production.
2. Soil
   • Type: Well-drained, sandy loam soil is ideal. Strawberries do not tolerate waterlogged soil.
   • pH Level: Slightly acidic soil with a pH of 5.5 to 6.5 is best. You can test the soil and amend it with lime or sulfur as needed.
3. Space
   • Spacing: Plant strawberries about 18 inches apart, with rows spaced 3-4 feet apart. This allows for proper air circulation and reduces the risk of diseases.
4. Crop Rotation
   • Consideration: Avoid planting strawberries in soil where tomatoes, peppers, or eggplants were previously grown, as they share similar pests and diseases.

Planting Strawberries

1. When to Plant
   • Timing: Plant strawberries in early spring, as soon as the soil can be worked. In warmer climates, they can also be planted in the fall.
2. Planting Method
   • Bare-Root Plants: Soak the roots in water for a few hours before planting. Dig a hole deep enough to accommodate the roots without bending them. The crown (where the leaves meet the roots) should be at soil level.
   • Potted Plants: Plant at the same depth as in the pot, ensuring the crown is level with the soil surface.
3. Mulching
   • Straw Mulch: Apply a layer of straw mulch around the plants to retain moisture, suppress weeds, and keep the fruit clean.
   • Plastic Mulch: Black plastic mulch can also be used to warm the soil and control weeds, but it may require additional watering.

Care and Maintenance

1. Watering
   • Regularity: Keep the soil consistently moist, especially during flowering and fruiting. Water at the base of the plants to avoid wetting the foliage, which can lead to disease.
   • Amount: Aim for about 1-2 inches of water per week, depending on weather conditions.
2. Fertilizing
   • Before Planting: Incorporate compost or a balanced fertilizer (such as 10-10-10) into the soil before planting.
   • Ongoing: Apply a balanced fertilizer after the first harvest and again in late summer to support continued growth.
3. Pruning
   • Runners: For June-bearing strawberries, remove runners (long stems that produce new plants) to focus the plant's energy on fruit production. For ever-bearing and day-neutral varieties, you can leave a few runners to establish new plants.
   • Leaves: Remove dead or diseased leaves to promote air circulation and prevent fungal diseases.
4. Pest and Disease Management
   • Common Pests: Watch for pests like aphids, spider mites, and slugs. Use insecticidal soap or neem oil as needed, and handpick slugs.
   • Diseases: Keep an eye out for common strawberry diseases like gray mold, powdery mildew, and root rot. Proper spacing, mulching, and watering can help prevent these issues. Remove and dispose of any affected plants.

Harvesting Strawberries

1. Timing
   • Ripeness: Harvest strawberries when they are fully red and ripe. They do not continue to ripen after being picked.
   • Frequency: Check your plants every 1-2 days during the harvest season to pick ripe berries.
2. Picking Technique
   • Method: Gently pull the berry off the stem, leaving the green cap attached. Be careful not to damage the plant or unripe berries.
3. Post-Harvest
   • Storage: Strawberries are best eaten fresh, but they can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3-5 days. Do not wash them until you're ready to eat or use them, as excess moisture can cause them to spoil.

Winter Care

1. Mulching
   • Protection: In colder climates, apply a thick layer of straw mulch over the plants after the ground freezes. This protects the roots from freezing and thawing cycles.
   • Removal: Remove the mulch in early spring as soon as new growth appears, and use it as a protective layer around the plants.
2. Container Plants
   • Indoor Storage: If growing strawberries in containers, move them to an unheated garage or shed for the winter. Water occasionally to prevent the roots from drying out.

Renewing Your Strawberry Bed

1. Lifespan
   • Productivity: Strawberry plants typically remain productive for 3-4 years. After that, yields may decline, and it's best to start a new bed.
2. Propagating
   • Runners: Use runners from your existing plants to start a new strawberry bed. Cut them from the mother plant and transplant them to a prepared site.
3. Rotation
   • New Location: Rotate your strawberry bed to a new location every few years to prevent soil-borne diseases and pests from building up.

Growing Strawberries in Containers

1. Container Selection
   • Size: Choose a container that is at least 12 inches in diameter and 8 inches deep. Ensure it has good drainage.
   • Types: Hanging baskets, strawberry pots, and standard planters all work well for strawberries.
2. Soil and Planting
   • Soil: Use a high-quality potting mix with good drainage. Mix in some compost for added nutrients.
   • Planting: Plant strawberries the same way as in the ground, ensuring the crown is at soil level.
3. Care
   • Watering: Containers dry out more quickly than garden beds, so water regularly to keep the soil moist.
   • Fertilizing: Feed container-grown strawberries with a balanced liquid fertilizer every 4-6 weeks during the growing season.

Benefits of Growing Strawberries

1. Freshness: Homegrown strawberries are often sweeter and more flavorful than store-bought varieties.
2. Pest Control: Growing your own allows you to control what goes into the soil and onto the plants, minimizing pesticide use.
3. Versatility: Strawberries are versatile in the kitchen, perfect for fresh eating, desserts, jams, and preserves.