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Strawberries

Growing Strawberries at Home

Growing strawberries in your home garden is fun, simple and very rewarding. By planting different strawberry varieties, you can enjoy fresh berries from late spring all the way until fall. With proper care, even a small garden space can produce plenty of fruit for your family.

Choosing Strawberry Plants

There are three main types of strawberries to consider:

  • June-Bearing Strawberries: These produce one large harvest over a 2–3 week period in spring. They usually grow the biggest berries and send out many runners.
  • Ever-Bearing Strawberries: These produce fruit two to three times throughout spring, summer and fall. They produce fewer runners and work well in smaller spaces.
  • Day-Neutral Strawberries: These produce fruit steadily throughout the growing season and also produce fewer runners.

Ever-bearing and day-neutral strawberries are great for small gardens or containers, although their berries are usually smaller. Strawberries tend to develop the best flavor when grown in sunny locations with warm days and cool nights.

Choosing the Right Location

Strawberries grow best in full sun with well-drained soil. Heavy clay soils tend to hold too much moisture, which can harm plants. If your soil stays wet, consider planting strawberries in raised beds to improve drainage.

Planting Strawberries

Early spring is the best time to plant strawberries.

  • Plant roots straight down into the soil, making sure they do not curl.
  • Keep the crown (where leaves meet roots) at soil level.
  • Space plants about 12 inches apart in rows 18 inches apart.
  • Water thoroughly after planting and keep soil consistently moist.

During the first growing season, remove blossoms so plants focus their energy on establishing strong roots and runners. This helps plants produce more fruit the following year. If plants lose vigor after a few seasons, replacing them with new plants in fresh soil can improve production.

Mulching for Winter Protection

In colder climates, strawberries need protection during winter. Apply 3–5 inches of straw mulch in late fall to protect plants. Remove the mulch in early spring once new growth appears.

Growing Strawberries in Containers

Strawberries also grow well in containers, especially ever-bearing and day-neutral varieties. Use planter boxes about 6–8 inches deep and fill them with high-quality potting soil.

  • Space plants 10–14 inches apart.
  • Make sure crowns remain above the soil after watering.
  • Keep soil moist but not soggy.

With the right variety, good sunlight and consistent care, strawberry plants can provide sweet, delicious fruit throughout the growing season. Homegrown strawberries are not only tasty but also one of the most satisfying fruits to harvest from your own garden.