Achieving a successful strawberry harvest begins with the initial placement of each plant. The distance separating strawberry plants is the foundational element that determines long-term plant health, fruit quality, and overall yield. Proper spacing ensures plants receive adequate light and nutrients while protecting against the spread of common diseases. The required distances are tied directly to the chosen cultivation method and the strawberry variety itself.
Spacing Based on Planting Systems
The two primary methods for cultivating strawberries, the hill system and the matted row system, require distinctly different planting densities. The hill system focuses on maximizing the production of large, robust plants by dedicating space exclusively to them. Plants are set relatively close together, typically 12 to 18 inches apart within a row or raised bed. This arrangement is often done in double or triple rows, with aisles of 2 to 3 feet between groupings for access. This method requires the complete removal of all runner plants, channeling the plant’s energy into developing a larger crown and producing more fruit.
In contrast, the matted row system allows plants to naturally propagate and fill the available space over time. Initial plants are spaced wider apart, generally 18 to 30 inches within the row. Rows are separated by 3 to 4 feet to create a clear walkway. The goal is to permit runners to root and create a dense “mat” of daughter plants contained to a specific width, ideally 18 to 24 inches wide.
Variety-Specific Spacing Adjustments
The inherent growth pattern of a strawberry variety influences how general spacing rules must be followed. June-bearing strawberries are known for their vigorous growth and large number of runners. In a matted row system, this aggressive spreading necessitates strict adherence to the wider 18 to 30-inch initial spacing to prevent overcrowding. When grown in the hill system, runner removal must be diligent due to their high production rate.
Day-neutral and everbearing strawberries produce significantly fewer runners. Since they put more energy into continuous flowering and fruiting, they can be planted at a slightly higher density. These varieties are often better suited for the hill system and can be spaced closer, sometimes 9 to 12 inches apart. This closer spacing capitalizes on their compact growth habit and lower natural propagation rate.
The Necessity of Runner Management
Establishing correct initial spacing requires active runner management throughout the growing season. Runners are horizontal stems that emerge from the plant and attempt to root new daughter plants. If left unchecked, they quickly destroy the intended spacing, leading to a dense, unproductive patch.
In the hill system, all runners must be removed as soon as they appear. This practice directs the plant’s energy back into the main crown, resulting in larger, more numerous flower stalks and fruit. Growers should inspect plants every two to three weeks, snipping the runner stem close to the mother plant with clean shears.
For the matted row system, management involves shaping the bed to its desired final dimension. Runners are encouraged to root within the 18 to 24-inch wide row space. Once the row reaches its target width, any new runners must be removed, especially those attempting to root in the walkway. Post-harvest renovation often involves narrowing the established mat by tilling or cutting back the edges.
Biological Reasons for Proper Spacing
The specific distances used in strawberry cultivation are rooted in the biological needs of the plant, ensuring survival and maximizing fruit production. Correct spacing directly addresses three major factors: light, water, and disease pressure.
Adequate spacing ensures that the leaves of each plant receive sufficient sunlight for photosynthesis. When plants are too close, the foliage of neighboring plants shades the lower leaves, reducing the plant’s ability to produce the energy required for flower and fruit development. This competition for light leads to reduced yields and smaller fruit size.
Proper separation also minimizes competition for vital resources like water and soil nutrients. Strawberry plants have a relatively shallow root system, with the majority of their roots concentrated in the top 6 inches of soil. Overcrowding forces these shallow roots to compete intensely in a limited space, which stresses the plants and diminishes the quality and quantity of the fruit produced.
Finally, wide spacing is a preventative measure against the proliferation of fungal diseases such as gray mold or powdery mildew. These pathogens thrive in humid, stagnant conditions created by dense foliage that traps moisture. By allowing ample space between plants and rows, air circulates freely, which dries the leaves and fruit quickly after rain or irrigation, significantly reducing the environment necessary for disease to take hold.