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Forget chewy berries at the supermarket; At the peak of ripeness and flavor, you'll never taste anything as sweet and juicy as those picked from your own garden! Better? Growing strawberries at home is actually not difficult if the right conditions are created.
Strawberries are perennials, so you need space in your garden for them to come back for several years. Many of the new varieties are considered neutral or perennial, meaning they will bear fruit from late summer until the first frosts. Older varieties are called June, they produce in late spring or early spring.
Regardless of which variety you plant, choose one that will survive the winter in your USDA hardiness zone (find yours here). Start with 10-12 plants and estimate that each plant will produce about a pound of berries per season (depending on variety and growing conditions). That means you'll be making strawberry pie, strawberry cheesecake, or your favorite strawberry desserts in no time!
Here's what you need to know about growing strawberries in your flower beds or containers.
When to plant strawberries?
Plant strawberries in early spring or in warm climates in fall after temperatures have cooled slightly. Sticking to plants is better than trying to grow strawberries from seed because they last forever and the results are iffy.
How are strawberries planted?
Choose a spot in full sun, which means six to eight hours of direct sunlight per day. Dig a hole and position the plant so that the canopy (where the leaves emerge from the roots) is slightly off the ground. Leave one foot between the plants.
Plant them in a raised bed or make sure your bed has good drainage as strawberries don't like wet feet. Fertilize with a 10-10-10 balanced fertilizer when planting, then cover with compost and manure each spring. Keep the bed free of weeds, as strawberries don't compete well with weeds. If you're going through a dry spell, don't forget to water regularly!
How to take care of strawberries
Now for the tricky part: removing the first year flowers to allow the plant to develop a good root system for the June varieties. Many gardeners claim this leads to healthier plants and better yields. In late summer, stolons growing from the parent can be cut back and planted elsewhere to create a new bed.
For perennial varieties, remove the flowers within the first six weeks of planting, then enjoy the fruit in the first year. (But if you're impatient, it's perfectly fine to enjoy the fruits that appear on these types of plants!)
In cold climates, cover the plants with straw to protect them from the cold and sudden changes in temperature. Remove them from the plants in spring, although you can leave them in the bed to continue rotting and prevent weeds.
Can you grow strawberries in containers?
Absolutely! If you don't have space in your flower beds, strawberries do well in pots on the deck or patio . Many of the new species are also grown as ornamental flowers, making them perfect for hanging baskets and cascading from planters and keeping hungry garden visitors like nightingales away! Be sure to check the pots often, as they dry out faster than the beds.
When are strawberries ready to pick?
Pick the berries when they are dark red without white tips, but without losing their glossy appearance . You should cover your products to protect them from birds, squids and rabbits. Covers made of fine-mesh breathable polyester are best. When your berries are harvested, try this delicious Strawberry Pina!
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