Growing your own patch of strawberries offers fresh, flavorful fruit. Starting a strawberry patch is a rewarding project that transforms a garden space into a source of sweet, seasonal produce. Successfully establishing these perennial plants requires attention to foundational steps, from preparing the ground to selecting the right varieties. This guide details the practical process of planting strawberries to ensure a strong start and a bountiful yield.
Site Selection and Soil Preparation
Selecting the location is the first step toward a successful harvest. Strawberry plants thrive when they receive a minimum of six to eight hours of direct sunlight daily. Drainage is essential; the area should not retain water or become soggy, which can lead to root rot. Avoid planting in low spots or where tomatoes, potatoes, or peppers previously grew, as these can harbor verticillium wilt, a fungal disease harmful to strawberries.
Preparing the soil is crucial once the site is chosen. Strawberries prefer a slightly acidic environment, ideally with a pH level between 5.5 and 6.5. A soil test confirms the current pH and reveals nutrient deficiencies that need addressing. Incorporating organic matter, such as well-rotted compost or aged manure, improves soil structure and fertility, supporting root development.
Thoroughly clear the designated area of all weeds and grass before planting. Persistent perennial weeds quickly compete with young strawberry plants for water and nutrients. Turn the soil over to a depth of 8 to 10 inches to properly mix organic material and ensure the soil is loose enough for root systems to spread.
Choosing the Right Strawberry Varieties
The selection of a strawberry variety should align with the desired harvest schedule and regional climate. The three main types are categorized by their fruiting habits. June-bearing varieties produce a single, large crop of berries over a two-to-three-week period, typically in late spring or early summer. These are often preferred for processing or preserving.
Everbearing types generally produce two smaller crops per year: one in the late spring and a second harvest in the early autumn. Day-neutral strawberries produce fruit continuously throughout the growing season until the first hard frost. These plants are sensitive to temperature rather than day length, offering a steady, modest supply of berries for fresh eating.
For establishing a new patch, gardeners typically choose between bare-root plants and potted starter plants. Bare-root plants, which are dormant, are the most common and cost-effective method for planting a large patch. Potted plants offer an easier initial establishment with less risk but are more expensive. Purchasing certified disease-free stock, regardless of the form, helps ensure the longevity of the patch.
Step-by-Step Planting Techniques
Proper planting technique is essential for the long-term productivity of the strawberry plant. Soak the roots of bare-root plants in water for up to an hour before placing them in the ground. This hydration helps the roots quickly transition from their dormant state to actively absorbing moisture once planted.
Spacing is important, particularly when using the matted row system, which is common for June-bearing varieties. Plants should be spaced 18 to 24 inches apart within the row, with rows separated by 3 to 4 feet to allow for runner development. This arrangement gives the plants ample room to send out new runners that will root and fill in the space, creating a dense, productive bed over time.
Correctly setting the crown, the central growing point of the plant, is the most important planting step. The crown must be positioned precisely level with the soil surface. If the crown is buried too deep, the plant can suffocate and rot, preventing new leaves and flower stalks from emerging. If the crown is planted too high, the roots will be exposed, leading to desiccation and plant death.
To achieve this ideal depth, dig a hole large enough to accommodate the roots without bending them sharply. Create a small mound of soil in the center of the hole and fan the roots over this mound, allowing them to spread naturally downward. Backfill the hole gently, firming the soil lightly around the roots to eliminate air pockets, while checking that the crown remains exactly at the soil line.
Essential Initial Care for Establishment
The first few weeks after planting require focused care to ensure the plants establish robust root systems. Immediately after the plants are settled into the ground, a deep and thorough watering is necessary to fully saturate the soil and help the roots make contact with the surrounding earth. Consistent moisture levels are required during this establishment phase, though the soil should never be allowed to become waterlogged.
Applying a layer of organic mulch, such as straw or pine needles, directly around the newly planted crowns offers multiple benefits. Mulch acts as a barrier to suppress weed growth, which reduces competition for water and nutrients, and also helps to moderate soil temperature. A layer of mulch conserves soil moisture by reducing evaporation, thereby decreasing the frequency of necessary watering.
Removing the first flowers that appear in the planting year strengthens the future productivity of the patch. While it may seem counterintuitive to remove the potential for early fruit, pinching off these flowers directs the plant’s energy away from reproduction and toward developing a strong root system and producing healthy runners. This investment in vegetative growth during the first season ensures the plant is capable of supporting a much larger harvest in the following years.