Selling Size : Single plant without Strawberry | 2.5" Pot Included | Secure Packing
Strawberry plants can be a rewarding addition to any garden, whether in a container, a raised bed, or in the ground.
Here's a comprehensive guide to Strawberry Plant care, covering everything from planting to harvesting:
1. Planting
Sunlight: Strawberries thrive in full sun, needing at least 6-8 hours of direct sunlight per day. More is ideal for better fruit production.
Soil: They prefer slightly acidic, well-draining soil with a pH between 5.5 and 6.8. Before planting, consider a soil test to determine if you need to add any amendments. Mixing in organic matter like compost or aged manure is highly beneficial.
Planting: Plant strawberries so that the roots are well-covered, but the central growing bud, or "crown," is exposed to light and air. Burying the crown can cause the plant to rot. If using a row system, space plants about 18 inches apart to give them room for runners.
2. Watering
Consistency is Key: Strawberry plants need consistent moisture, especially during the active growing and fruiting seasons. They have shallow root systems, making them susceptible to drought stress.
How much: A good rule of thumb is to provide 1 to 1.5 inches of water per week. This may need to be increased during hot, dry weather.
How to water: The best method is to use a soaker hose or drip irrigation system. This keeps the leaves and fruit dry, which helps prevent fungal diseases. If you must use a sprinkler, water in the morning on a sunny day so the foliage can dry quickly.
Mulch: A layer of mulch, such as straw or shredded leaves, helps retain soil moisture, keeps the fruit clean, and can suppress weeds.
3. Fertilizing
Before planting: Work a balanced, slow-release fertilizer (like a 10-10-10 or 20-20-20 NPK) and organic matter into the top few inches of soil about two weeks before planting.
During the season:
June-bearing strawberries: Fertilize in mid-to-late summer, after the harvest and after you've renovated the plants (see pruning section). Avoid fertilizing in the spring, as this can lead to soft, overly-lush growth and increase the risk of disease.
Day-neutral strawberries: These varieties fruit throughout the season. Fertilize when the plants first start to produce new leaves in the spring and again when berries begin to form. You can also use a liquid fertilizer every few weeks during the growing season.
Avoid Over-fertilizing: Too much nitrogen can lead to excessive leaf growth at the expense of fruit production.
4. Pruning and Maintenance
Runners: Most strawberry varieties produce runners—horizontal shoots that create new plants. To direct the plant's energy towards producing more and larger fruit, it's best to clip most of the runners. You can leave a few to root if you want to create new plants for next season.
Old Leaves: Remove any brown, yellow, or diseased leaves to improve air circulation and reduce the chance of disease.
Renovation (for June-bearing varieties): After the harvest is complete, you can "renovate" the strawberry patch. This involves mowing or cutting back all the foliage to about 4 inches above the crown, thinning out older plants, and removing weeds. This encourages new, healthy growth for the next year.
5. Harvesting
When to pick: Strawberries are ready to harvest when they are fully red all over. Their size can vary, so color is the best indicator of ripeness.
How to pick: Pinch the stem about a quarter-inch below the berry to pick it, rather than pulling on the fruit itself. This prevents damage and helps the berries stay fresh longer.
Frequency: During the peak season, you may need to harvest every two to four days. Removing ripe or overripe fruit reduces the risk of mold and diseases spreading.
