How To Plant And Grow Strawberries

ByAgkidzone Staff

Updated: Jun 27, 2024

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Strawberry gardening is not only an easy but also a fun undertaking. Growing strawberries yourself has several advantages, not the least of which is that you can make sure they are pesticide- and chemical-free. As these bushes produce juicy, fresh berries year after year, the results of your labor will be wonderfully rewarded. Strawberries are an ideal gardening project, regardless of whether they are planted in the ground, in pots, or hanging from hanging baskets. Imagine the elegance of adding a freshly picked strawberry from your garden to a joyous champagne toast!

Starting from a Seed

Starting a strawberry plant from seed is a really rewarding experience, but it does need some gentle, loving care. Choosing seeds gives you the freedom to choose and combine your favorite strawberry kinds. Starting inside before the end of spring will protect the seeds from frost in their tender early growth stages. Before planting, cold treat your seeds by freezing them for two to four weeks. This simulates winter and kickstarts germination once they're brought back to room temperature. For planting, gently press the seeds into a moist mix of soil and peat at the base of a seed planter—no need to bury them deep. Place the planter in a well-lit area; germination should occur within two to three weeks.

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Get a Head Start with Strawberry Seedlings

Alternatively, you might skip the seeds and go for pre-germinated seedlings, speeding up the process. Once acquired, keep your young plants in a shaded spot until they're strong enough to plant outside. Carefully nurture these fledglings, especially as they begin sprouting leaves. Gradually acclimate them to outdoor conditions by placing them outside incrementally over two weeks—this hardening process is crucial for their adaptation to the outdoor environment.

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Keep Your Strawberries Hydrated

Proper hydration is crucial for thriving strawberry plants. They require about 1-2 inches of water weekly during the growing season. Aim to maintain a balance, avoiding overly soggy or dry soil, as waterlogged conditions can lead to root rot. Watering in the morning allows the plants to dry during the day, reducing the risk of prolonged moisture which can lead to diseases. To minimize disease risk, water the base of the plant, preferably using an irrigation system, instead of watering from above.

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Storing Your Freshly Picked Strawberries

To maximize the shelf life of your strawberries, cut the fruit with a bit of stem attached instead of pulling them off. Store them in the fridge in a single layer, covered yet ventilated. Avoid washing them until just before you're ready to enjoy them to prevent them from becoming soggy. When stored properly, strawberries can remain in peak condition for 2-3 days in the refrigerator or up to six months in the freezer without losing flavour.

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Common Strawberry Pests or Issues

Strawberries attract various pests and critters with their sweet flavour. Slugs, spittlebugs, and weevils are common culprits, alongside birds that might peck at your precious berries. Protect your crop with bird netting and remain vigilant. Diseases can also affect strawberries, typically showing as mould on the berries or foliage. Ensure your plants have optimal growing conditions—proper sunlight and water are key to keeping diseases at bay.

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Fertilizing for Fruitful Growth

To ensure your strawberries flourish, proper fertilization is essential. Before planting, enrich your soil with a balanced, all-purpose fertilizer to give your plants a healthy start. Once established, switch to a fertilizer high in potassium, especially during the blooming period, to promote vibrant fruit production. Apply fertilizer according to package instructions, typically every four to six weeks, being careful not to over-fertilize as this can lead to excessive leaf growth at the expense of fruit.

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Optimal Sunlight and Location

Strawberries thrive in sunny spots, requiring at least six to eight hours of direct sunlight per day. The ideal location is not just sunny but also well-drained, as strawberries are susceptible to root rot in overly wet conditions. If your garden space lacks sufficient sunlight or proper drainage, consider using raised beds or containers, which can be positioned in optimal locations and filled with tailor-made soil to ensure the health of your plants.

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Pruning and Maintenance

Keeping your strawberry plants well-maintained is key to their longevity and productivity. Regularly remove any dead or diseased leaves and stems to prevent the spread of infection. After the first year, thin out older plants that are not producing as much fruit, which encourages newer growth that is more fruitful. Pruning also includes pinching off the first blooms of the season in young plants to strengthen their growth and fruit production in their second year.

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Protecting from Extreme Weather

Strawberries are hardy, but they can be vulnerable to extreme weather conditions such as frost in the spring or excessive heat in the summer. To protect your plants, cover them with a frost cloth during unexpected late spring frosts. In the heat of summer, use mulch to help retain soil moisture and keep the roots cool, or employ shade cloths during the hottest part of the day to prevent scorching.

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Enjoying the Harvest

The final and most enjoyable part of growing strawberries is the harvest. Strawberries are best picked when they are fully red, with no white tops, which indicates peak ripeness. The berries should be firm to the touch and pull away easily from the stem. Enjoy them fresh, use them in recipes, or preserve them by making jams or freezing. Remember, the fresher the berries, the more delicious and nutritious they will be, so aim to consume or process them shortly after picking.

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