Bright red. Sweet and sour. Fruity and floral. When we hear these phrases, only one fruit comes to our minds – strawberries – and rightfully so! As an in-demand and well-liked fruit by a lot of people, they are everywhere you look: from foods and drinks to hygiene and personal care products.
Through this blog, we’ll be taking the nostalgia and the familiarity of strawberries into your garden that will prosper and flourish through the BERRY helpful rules and hacks you need to follow. Prepare yourself and get your tools quickly because ready or not, here we come!
Table of Contents
1. Get to Know Different Types of Strawberries
As gardeners, we must be familiar with the plants we are growing in our garden. No proper knowledge of these plants could lead you to an inevitable failure. For strawberries, the first thing to know about them is that they come in three different types: June-bearing, everbearing, and day-neutral varieties.
June-Bearing Varieties
This day-length sensitive variety produces buds in the autumn and then bears fruit all at once in June over a period of three weeks. For warmer climates, they may start fruiting around the last weeks of May. Because they produce the largest fruits and yield the highest among the varieties, June-bearing strawberries are recommended for novice gardeners. Some of the June-bearing types are Earligrow and Honeoye varieties.
Everbearing Varieties
Everbearing or perpetual varieties fruit three times throughout its growing season: a bountiful crop in spring, a bit lighter in summer, and another in late fall or early spring. Buds form at two different times: during summer (which fruits in autumn) and during autumn (which fruits in spring). Strawberries of this kind are a cross between June-bearing and day-neutral varieties. Some of the everbearing types are Ozark Beauty and Alpine Alexandria.
Day-Neutral Varieties
Varieties of day-neutral strawberries produce fruits continuously when the temperature range is around 35° and 85°F. However, the fruits they bear are lesser than those of June-bearing ones. Some of the day-neutral types are Evie-2 and Seascape.
2. Keep Your Strawberry Bed in Good Condition
Growing strawberries is no easy feat, so ensure you are committed to growing them. For best results, this fruit needs a garden bed with well-drained, loamy and acidic soil (pH 5.5 to 7). They can tolerate other soil types, such as clay and sand, but they cannot tolerate a pH greater than 7. If you have alkaline soil, grow them in large containers filled with organic matter or compost-enriched potting soil. This will ensure a healthy plant and heighten the chance of fruit production.
A good hack to start your strawberry bed is to conduct a soil test. This test will examine your garden conditions if they are suitable for strawberry production. These services are often provided by agricultural extension workers in your state.
Make raised beds four feet apart, then dig deep and wide holes, just enough to fit the entire root system of the seedling. Cover the roots, but do not bury the plant's crown, or else they will rot.
The seedlings should be a foot and a half apart from each other to allow space for runners.
Now, what are runners? Runners are horizontal stems that grow along the ground. They will look like daughter plants from a mother plant. So, imagine a strawberry field with a lot of mother plants and daughter plants growing from them. This characteristic of strawberry plants makes it good for large scale fruit production.
Did you know that strawberries, besides being delicious, are also packed with health benefits? These juicy red fruits are not only low in calories but also rich in essential nutrients like vitamin C, manganese, and antioxidants. Incorporating strawberries into your diet can help improve heart health, boost immunity, and promote healthy skin.
3. Provide Proper Care (Sun, Water, Nutrients, and Protection)
As you embark on the journey of nurturing your strawberry plants, a fundamental aspect of your dedication lies in furnishing them with the optimal and sufficient care they deserve. This encompasses a meticulous approach to ensuring they receive the right balance of sunlight, water, nutrients, and attention to detail. This commitment becomes the cornerstone upon which the health and vibrancy of your strawberry plants thrive, resulting in bountiful harvests and a landscape adorned with the fruits of your attentive and nurturing efforts.
Light
When it comes to providing the ideal lighting conditions for your precious strawberry plants, a strategic decision involves selecting a location that bathes them in the brilliance of full sun for a span of 6 to 10 hours each day. This natural radiance serves as a vital energy source, fueling the plants' photosynthesis process and facilitating the conversion of sunlight into the essential nutrients they require to flourish.
Water
One of the most important needs of strawberries is water because of their shallow root system. They need about an inch per square foot in a week but will need more when runners and flower buds start developing, and more when the plants are fully mature and gearing up for winter dormancy. Maintain moisture by mulching your soil with row covers, black plastic, pine straws, or shredded leaves.
Another irrigation technique you could adopt is drip irrigation. This method involves the precise delivery of water directly to the root zone of each plant, ensuring a consistent and efficient hydration process. By strategically placing drip emitters along the planting rows, water is dispensed in controlled amounts, minimizing wastage and ensuring disease-free plants.
Nutrients
You can also fertilize with all-purpose granules for strong growth, but it is necessary if your soil is properly prepared. But remember, that this is not a requirement. The best way to grow your strawberry plantings is to first go organic. You can first rely with organic material as a source of nutrient, then if you observe there is a lack, you can transition to liquid fertilizers, then eventually to stronger ones.
Protection
Even though they survive in mildly cold temperatures, strawberries still need care when they live as dormant plants. Mow or cut leaves down to one inch after the first couple of frosts. Provide insulation by straw mulch, pine needles, or plastic mulch.
4. Remove All Possible Sources of Problems
Strawberries are susceptible to damage caused by bacteria, fungi, and insects. Well, of course we all want good crops and high yields, so remove them as soon as possible. Here is a detailed list of the common problems encountered when growing strawberries and how to counter them:
- Gray mold (white spots that cover the leaves that eventually turn brown) and leaf blight (sudden wilting of leaves) are caused by fungi. Immediately remove the infected parts to prevent further spreading of the fungi. To minimize fungal growth, make sure to water plants early in the day to reduce the amount of water on the flowers and fruit, and use fungicidal sprays.
- An organic and natural garlic and neem seed oil repellent can repel insects such as Japanese beetles and spider mites. Spreading sand could deter slugs and bugs, while row covers could help protect your plants from larger animals like birds.
- Weeds attract these animals so it is always a good choice to be diligent in weed control. Also, eliminate dead leaves and diseased runner plants as needed.
5. Harvest Fully Red Fruits!
Strawberries are not strawberries without their iconic red color so we say yes to fully red fruits! This is an indication that they are mature and ready for harvest, which is about 4-6 weeks after they start blooming. When harvesting, do not just pick and pull the fruits from the stems to avoid destroying the plant. Cut the stems instead!
You can preserve these flavorful berries for later consumption. Unwashed strawberries can be stored in the refrigerator for 5 days maximum, or they can be frozen in the freezer for up to 2 months.
Remember that strawberry smoothie being sold in your favorite hangout spot? They are very refreshing, especially during the summer heat. This is thanks to their water content, which is about 91% percent of the fruit. In strawberry-flavored cakes and pastries, you will taste just a subtle sweetness because they only have less than eight grams of sugar per hundred-gram serving. They are also rich in fiber, folate, and vitamin C.
New Gardener's Cheat Sheet
| Aspect | Information |
|---|---|
| Types of Strawberries | – June-bearing: produce fruit in June over a 3-week period. Recommended for novice gardeners. |
| – Everbearing: produce fruit three times a year: spring, summer, and late fall. | |
| – Day-neutral: produce fruit continuously in a wide temperature range. | |
| Soil Requirements | – Well-drained, loamy, acidic soil (pH 5.5 to 7). – Can tolerate other soil types like clay and sand. |
| Sunlight | – Requires 6 to 10 hours of full sun per day. |
| Watering | – Needs about 1 inch of water per square foot per week. |
| – Requires more water during fruiting and hot weather. | |
| Nutrients | – Benefit from organic matter and compost-enriched soil. – Fertilize if necessary, but start with organic options. |
| Pest and Disease | – Prone to damage from fungi, insects, and birds. |
| – Remove infected parts promptly and use natural repellents like garlic and neem oil. | |
| Harvesting | – Harvest when fruits are fully red, about 4-6 weeks after blooming. – Cut stems instead of pulling fruits to avoid damaging the plant. |
| – Cut stems instead of pulling fruits to avoid damaging the plant. | |
| Storage | – Store unwashed strawberries in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. |
| – Can be frozen for up to 2 months. |
Top 10 FAQs | Strawberries In Your Home Garden
- When is the best time to plant new strawberry plants?
- The ideal time to plant new strawberry plants is in late summer or early fall to allow them to establish strong roots before winter.
- Can I grow strawberries from seeds, and when is the best time to start them?
- While strawberries are typically grown from bare roots or baby plants, you can grow them from seeds. The best time to start strawberry seeds is in late spring or early summer for planting the following year.
- What are the main types of strawberries, and which is best for my garden?
- There are three main types: June-bearing, everbearing, and day-neutral. June-bearing varieties provide a big crop in late spring, while everbearing and day-neutral varieties offer smaller harvests throughout the growing season.
- How do I care for young strawberry plants in their first year?
- Ensure they receive at least 6 hours of direct sunlight, provide good drainage, and protect them from fungal diseases like powdery mildew and verticillium wilt.
- What is the matted row system for growing strawberries?
- The matted row system involves allowing strawberry plants to produce runners, creating a dense row. This method is suitable for garden beds and encourages a large harvest.
- Can I grow strawberries in small spaces or containers?
- Yes, you can grow strawberries in small spaces using hanging baskets, strawberry planters, or as ground cover. Ensure they receive adequate sunlight and have good drainage.
- How do I protect my strawberry patch from cold winters?
- Apply a layer of mulch around the base of the plants at the end of the season to protect them from cold weather and promote healthy plant growth in the next spring.
- What are the best practices for a bountiful strawberry harvest?
- Provide strawberries with a sunny spot, good drainage, and protect them from wet weather. Regularly check for pests and diseases, and consider planting different varieties for a prolonged harvest.
- Is it a good idea to use alpine strawberries in my garden?
- Alpine strawberries, such as Fragaria vesca, are a good choice, especially in small spaces. They are ground cover plants, produce juicy berries, and are well-suited for sunny spots.
- How do I ensure my strawberry plants stay healthy and productive in the second year?
- Space plants properly, trim away excess runners, and maintain good soil moisture. Avoid planting in areas prone to fungal diseases and provide proper winter protection.
Looking for a creative way to plant strawberries? If so, read this blog post: DIY GUTTER GARDEN TIPS TO SPRUCE UP YOUR HOME
Conclusion
Now that you know that to grow sweet and sour, and fruity and floral, bright red strawberries you need to go through a lot of hard work and have a lot of patience, do not be discouraged because we are here to help you through our BERRY helpful rules for growing strawberries at your garden. Here’s a recap of the rules we have given:
- Be familiar with what you are planting. Strawberries can be categorized as June-bearing, everbearing, and day-neutral varieties.
- Keep your strawberry bed in good condition. Strawberries have a lot of needs to be met for them to bear fruit.
- Provide proper care. Provide sufficient sunlight, moisture, fertilizer, and protection during winter months.
- Remove all possible sources of problems. These include fungi, insects, birds, weeds, and even their own runners.
- Harvest fully red fruits! Strawberries are ready at this stage, and you can harvest them by cutting off the stems.
Were these rules helpful to you in any way? Tell us what you think in the comments!
