A strawberry plug is a small, actively growing strawberry plant, typically rooted in a tray cell with its own compact mass of soil and roots. Unlike a dormant bare-root plant, the intact root ball minimizes “transplant shock,” leading to easier and faster establishment in the garden. Plugs have a higher survival rate and come ready to grow immediately upon planting.
Preparing the Planting Area
Selecting the right location is the first step toward a thriving strawberry patch, as the plants require full sun, ideally receiving six to ten hours of direct sunlight each day. The optimal time for planting plugs is either in early spring, as soon as the soil is workable, or in late summer to early fall, about six to eight weeks before the first hard frost. Fall planting allows the plants to focus on root development through the cooler months, leading to a potentially larger harvest the following spring.
Strawberries are adaptable but perform best in well-drained, loamy soil rich in organic matter. Poor drainage can quickly lead to problems like root rot, so consider planting in raised beds if your native soil is heavy clay. The soil’s acidity level is also a factor, with a slightly acidic pH range between 5.5 and 6.5 promoting the best nutrient uptake and growth.
Before planting, incorporating aged manure or compost is beneficial to enhance soil structure and fertility. You should loosen the soil to a depth of at least eight to ten inches and work in two to three inches of organic material evenly. Commercial growers often recommend working a balanced fertilizer, such as a 10-10-10 blend, into the soil prior to planting to ensure foundational nutrients are available.
Step-by-Step Guide to Planting Plugs
Proper spacing is necessary to ensure good air circulation and light penetration, helping to prevent disease and maximize fruit production. Space the plugs about 12 to 18 inches apart within the row, with optimal row spacing being three to four feet apart. Using a trowel or small shovel, dig a hole that is slightly wider than the plug’s root ball but not significantly deeper.
Carefully remove the plug from its tray cell and place it into the prepared hole, ensuring the root ball is positioned straight down. The most important step in planting is setting the crown, which is the short, compressed stem where the leaves and flowers emerge.
The middle of the crown must be positioned level with the surrounding soil line; it should not be buried beneath the soil or exposed too far above it. Planting too deeply can cause the crown to rot, while planting too shallowly can cause the roots to dry out. Gently firm the soil around the sides of the newly placed plug to collapse any air pockets. Once the soil is firmed, the top of the root ball should be flush with the soil surface.
Ensuring Initial Establishment
Immediate and thorough watering after planting is necessary to help the soil settle around the roots and minimize transplant shock. Water the area around the plants deeply, but avoid watering the crown directly, as excessive moisture on the growing point can promote disease. Drip irrigation or a soaker hose is an ideal method for this initial soaking and subsequent watering.
The first two weeks following transplanting are the most sensitive period for establishment, making consistent moisture monitoring crucial. Strawberry plants have shallow roots, so the soil should be kept consistently moist but never waterlogged to prevent root suffocation. Newly set plants lack an expansive root system and can be easily stressed by dry conditions, requiring several light waterings per week until they are established.
While the soil was amended before planting, heavy fertilization should be delayed during this initial establishment phase. If a balanced fertilizer was not incorporated beforehand, a single application of a balanced, low-nitrogen starter solution may be used. Protecting the new plants from excessive heat or intense sun immediately after transplanting can reduce stress, and monitoring for common early pests like aphids or slugs is recommended.