How To Grow Strawberries
Strawberries are one of the sweetest and tastiest fruits that can grow in a small garden. They require moderate care, but in return, they provide us with one of nature's best gifts - fresh homegrown strawberries.
There are strawberries in supermarkets and shops that claim to be "organically" grown, but commercially grown strawberries can't beat homegrown strawberries in taste and fragrance. And today, there are also strawberry varieties that are very close to wild strawberries in taste and smell and can bear fruits the entire season.
Soil for Strawberries
Strawberries prefer slightly acidic soil with a pH between 5.5 and 6.5, preferably around 6.0 - 6.2. Fertile loamy soil is the best - it should be rich in organic matter and must be drained well.
When preparing the soil patch for strawberries, it is a good practice to make a soil test to find out the exact pH of the soil and the amounts of various nutrients.
To improve the drainage and the soil in general, be sure to add good potting soil in abundance, mixed with organic fertilizers like compost, aged manure, worm casting, and similar.
Strawberries like the sun, so plant them in the full sun and keep the soil constantly moist - strawberries have a relatively shallow root system, so be sure to add nutrients regularly.
The best fertilizers are those with a gradual release of nutrients, organic or not. Balanced NPK fertilizers, like 15-15-15 with the gradual release of nutrients, are also an excellent choice when fertilizing strawberries, especially ever-bearing and day-neutral strawberries.
Thanks to their size and growing requirements, strawberries can be easily grown in containers, grow bags, raised beds, etc. Also, in cold areas, strawberries can be grown indoors, just be sure not to forget to pollinate them manually.
How To Prune The Strawberries
During the growing season, remove any dead, damaged, or ill leaves and stems. Strawberries need plenty of air and sun to stay healthy, so growing them too thick is not recommended.
To improve the harvest, remove the runners as soon as they appear - leave runners only from the best plants and only replace the old ones.
In the late winter or early spring, prune strawberry plants more thoroughly to promote new growth.
How To Water The Strawberries
Strawberries have shallow roots and, as such, must be watered regularly.
During warm weather, strawberries must be watered every 2-3 days, and when grown in pots and containers, one should water them daily.
Note: when watering the strawberries, don't get plants (leaves, stems, flowers, fruits) wet.
The best option for watering the strawberries is a dripping water system (under the layer of mulch) - it keeps the moisture in the soil constant and avoids getting plants wet.
Growing Stages of Strawberry Plants
During their growth, strawberries grow through several growing stages:
- Germination and Seedling Stage: The journey of a strawberry plant begins with the germination of seeds, which requires a cold stratification period to simulate winter conditions. Once the seeds sprout, they develop into seedlings with a set of true leaves. This stage is crucial for establishing a healthy root system.
- Vegetative Growth: As the plant matures, it enters a vegetative phase where it focuses on leaf growth. The plant develops a robust root system and multiple leaves, preparing it for the flowering stage. Proper sunlight, water, and nutrient management are critical during this phase to ensure healthy development.
- Flowering: Triggered by increasing daylight and warming temperatures, strawberry plants begin to flower in late spring. The flowers attract pollinators and are essential for fruit sets. Each flower has the potential to develop into a strawberry, contingent on successful pollination.
- Fruit Development: Following pollination, the flowers' ovaries swell and transform into strawberries. The fruit initially appears small and green, gradually enlarging and changing color to the iconic red. This stage requires adequate watering to support the fruit's growth.
- Harvesting: Strawberries are ready to harvest approximately four to six weeks after flowering once they have achieved full color and size. The exact timing can vary based on the strawberry variety and local climatic conditions.
- Senescence and Dormancy: After fruiting, strawberry plants enter a period of dormancy, especially in regions with cold winters. The leaves may die back, and the plant conserves energy in its crown and roots. Proper mulching can protect the plants during this phase, preparing them for the next growing season.
For backyard growers, it is essential to replace old strawberry plants with new ones - strawberries multiply quickly via runners, so keeping a few of them every year and removing some old plants allows the gardener to keep the number of strawberry plants constant and the plants in the perfect growing condition.
Strawberry Plants Growing Issues
Strawberry plants bear fruits for several years, after which they have to be replaced with new plants. Since the strawberries propagate via runners (one of the most popular methods), it is often more difficult to keep their number in check than to replace old plants with new ones.
Preventing contact between strawberries and soil is important for avoiding fruit rot - good mulch (straw, for example - hence the name) will help prevent fruits from touching the soil.
Also, strawberries are often grown using thin, non-transparent foil, or in containers, or using vertical planters - such systems prevent contact between fruits and soil and keep the fruits dry as much as possible.
Strawberry plants are generally very healthy plants, especially when fruits are kept away from the soil (must be dry), when the plants are kept dry during watering, when there is plenty of air around the fruits and leaves, etc.
The most dangerous pests are birds, rabbits, deer, and similar animals that like the sweet taste of strawberries. To protect the strawberries from birds and other animals, cover the strawberry plants with a protective net that allows bees and other insects to pollinate the flowers.
Bugs that threaten the strawberry plants are often kept under control by ladybugs and similar "predatory" insects.
However, should You find it necessary to use some chemicals in your garden, not just for strawberries, always read the instructions before applying the chemical - better safe than sorry. Personally, it is better to remove a few ill or damaged plants than to use chemicals, but ...
For more information about strawberries, feel free to check the following:
or check the following articles:
Why Are My Strawberries So Small?
Strawberries are a beloved treat in gardens around the world, celebrated for their sweet flavor and vibrant color. However, many gardeners encounter a common issue: their strawberries just aren't as large as they hoped.
The size of strawberries can be influenced by a myriad of factors, from the variety of the plant to the care it receives. Whether you're a seasoned gardener or a novice looking to improve your harvest, understanding these factors can make all the difference in your strawberry-growing success.
Published: August 26, 2024.
The Life Cycle of a Strawberry Plant | Growth Stages
The strawberry plant, scientifically known as 'Fragaria × ananassa', holds a beloved place in gardens and farms worldwide. Renowned for its sweet, red fruit, the strawberry is not only a favorite for its flavor but also for its nutritional value, containing vitamins, antioxidants, and dietary fiber.
In commercial agriculture, strawberries are a high-value crop, cultivated extensively for the fresh fruit market and food processing. Home gardeners also cherish strawberries for their ease of growth and the pleasure of harvesting fresh berries straight from the garden.
Understanding the growth and care of strawberry plants can enhance both yield and quality, making it a rewarding endeavor for any gardener or farmer.
Published: April 24, 2024.
What Does a Strawberry Plant Look Like?
Before strawberries make their way to our tables, these fruits begin their journey rooted in the soil as smallish, humble plants.
Understanding the appearance and growth stages of strawberry plants can provide valuable insight for gardeners and enthusiasts alike.
Published: March 12, 2024.
How to Grow Strawberries in Pots and Containers
Strawberries are one of the most popular berry fruits that can be easily grown in containers and various flower pots. Growing strawberries in pots and containers has its own challenges, but the reward is an almost endless stream of tasty and fragrant fruits.
Strawberries prefer fertile, loamy soil, rich in organic matter, well-aerated, one that drains well, and is slightly acidic with a pH of around 6.
Updated: August 18, 2023.
How To Protect Strawberries From Rotting On The Ground?
Strawberries are very sensitive and delicate fruits susceptible to fruit rotting during the growth period, especially during the last few days when the strawberries are heavier and tend to touch the soil surface.
Fruit rot can be prevented in many ways, but the simplest one is to prevent the strawberries from touching the moist soil using various supports, mulch, and similar.
Updated: July 20, 2023.
How To Store Strawberries To Keep Them Fresh
The quality and taste of the strawberries will be best when they are used as soon as possible after picking.
If you're picking your own strawberries, this might mean planning to use them in your meals as soon as possible or preservation (freezing, jamming) shortly after your harvest. But strawberries may also be stored refrigerated for up to 5-7 days in ideal conditions.
Published: June 28, 2023.
Pineberries - What Are They and How to Grow Them?
Pineberries are hybrid strawberries with distinctive white or pink colors and pineapple-like fragrance and aroma - they are not genetically modified berries as some people claim.
Pineberries are rarely available commercially due to their relatively low yield and smallish fruits, and when they can be found, they are pricey. One more reason to grow pineberries in your home garden.
Updated: April 18, 2023.
How to Grow Strawberries Indoors
Growing strawberries indoors can yield great results, but it has some challenges.
If you really like this aromatic and healthy fruit and have some indoor area to spare, give them a chance, they might surprise you.
Updated: March 23, 2023.
Growing Strawberries in Raised Beds
Growing strawberries in raised beds have few disadvantages and many benefits when compared with growing strawberries in the garden strawberry patch.
Raised beds allow the gardeners to tune the growing conditions to the plant or plants they intended to grow, in this case, strawberries, including position, soil mix, pH, fertilizers, position, etc.
Updated: December 19, 2022.
Guide to Strawberry Companion Plants
What’s better than growing sweet, bright strawberries? Growing them with the help of companion plants! If this is your goal, you’ll be happy to explore this guide to strawberry companion plants.
Strawberry plants are at their most healthy when they are grown in full sunlight and sandy soil and are kept from harmful pests.
Published: November 8, 2022.
Is Strawberry a Fruit or Vegetable?
Hardly anyone might wonder if a strawberry is a fruit or a vegetable as it’s been considered a fruit for a long time.
Well, this hypothesis is not wrong. A strawberry is a fruit. But it’s interesting to see why.
Published: September 19, 2022.
Why Are Strawberries Called Strawberries?
Strawberries are one of the most popular fruits globally for children, adults, and the elderly - everybody likes their fragrance, aroma, and refreshing taste.
Strawberries are easy to grow, feature many health benefits, and are consumed both fresh and processed in juices, jellos, jam, cakes, etc.
However, from time to time, people also wonder why are strawberries called strawberries?
Published: May 9, 2022.
Sowing Strawberries
Strawberries can be grown from runners or from seeds. Both methods have advantages and drawbacks.
Growing from seeds take more time, but one can easily plant several types of strawberries and/or grow a much larger number of plants.
Published: April 16, 2022.
Growing Strawberries in Grow Bags
Strawberries are an easy-to-grow plant hardy to USDA plant hardiness zones 5 to 8, and if grown indoors, they can practically be grown everywhere, year long. If one having no backyard is wondering if they can grow this perennial in containers or grow bags, the good news is that they can do so, because strawberries actually do well in grow bags.
In fact, grow bags are an excellent option to grow various vegetables and fruits including strawberries because they save garden space by growing strawberries vertically and in a healthy way.
Updated: November 10, 2021.
How To Make Chocolate Covered Strawberries
Chocolate covered strawberries are one of the most popular desserts made using strawberries, but other berries can be used, too. Fine aroma and fragrance of the strawberries (home grown, right?!) blend with the delicate flavor of chocolate in supreme delicacy suitable for any occasion ...
Published: August 10, 2021.
Simple Fresh Strawberry Pie Recipe
Strawberry pie is one of my favorite pies. This recipe is simple and straightforward, except that it requires some overnight cooling - but it is worth waiting.
Published: May 10, 2021.
Obtaining Strawberry Plants
There are many ways that strawberry plants can be obtained. It depends on gardener skills, free time, the desired number of plants, etc.
In many cases, the simplest solution is to go to the nearest garden center and buy potted strawberry plants or to order them from online shops. But why keep it simple ...?
Published: October 19, 2020.
Health Benefits of Strawberries
Recently scientists have enlisted the top 50 foods as antioxidant sources from among commonly consumed foods in the United States and strawberries have got an exceptional ranking in the list. When the total antioxidant power was measured of all foods in uniform quantity (3.5 ounces or 100 g) strawberries grabbed the 27th rank among all the foods commonly eaten in the US.
Moreover, when only fruits were taken into consideration, strawberries were the 4th best, after blackberries, cranberries, and raspberries.
Published: August 10, 2020.
Strawberries Types
Strawberries come in three types - June-bearing, ever-bearing and day-neutral. They all have their strength and weaknesses, so care must be taken when choosing suitable types.
Updated: March 14, 2020.