Strawberry plants are often left to sprawl across the soil surface, but this habit can lead to significant problems for both the plant and the fruit. Providing support goes beyond simple staking; it is a cultural practice aimed at optimizing the plant’s environment to promote cleaner, healthier, and more abundant yields. Effective support systems elevate the developing berries and foliage away from the damp ground, addressing the unique challenges posed by the strawberry’s biology.
Why Strawberries Require Physical Support
The low-lying growth pattern, where the stems naturally droop, exposes the developing fruit to the soil, creating a high-risk environment. Direct contact with moist soil is a primary contributor to fungal diseases, such as gray mold (Botrytis cinerea). The disease thrives in humid conditions and can quickly rot entire clusters of ripening fruit, reducing the final harvest.
Allowing the fruit to rest on the ground also makes them easily accessible targets for pests. Slugs, snails, and crawling insects easily reach the berries when they are not elevated, leading to damaged and inedible fruit. A heavy fruit load can also cause branches to sag considerably, creating dense, poor-airflow pockets around the leaves and crowns. Elevating the foliage and fruit improves air circulation, which defends against moisture-related issues and promotes overall plant health.
Ground-Level Protection Methods
For strawberries grown in traditional garden beds, ground-level protection methods are the most common and effective way to separate the fruit from the soil. The classic method involves using organic materials, primarily clean straw. This material is raked into the aisles and around the plants to form a thick, protective bedding layer.
Applying the straw mulch is best done after the danger of a hard spring frost has passed, but before the plants have begun to set fruit. A layer of three to six inches of straw will suppress weeds and, more importantly, create a cushion that keeps the ripening berries clean and dry. This separation minimizes contact with soil-borne pathogens and prevents the fruit from becoming gritty or sandy.
An alternative, inorganic approach is the use of black plastic sheeting, or polyethylene film, as a ground cover. This plastic is laid over the prepared soil, and plants are set through small holes cut into the material. Black plastic suppresses weed growth by blocking sunlight and conserves soil moisture by reducing evaporation. It also warms the soil, which can encourage earlier fruit production. The smooth, dry surface acts as an impenetrable barrier, keeping the berries clean and away from the damp earth.
Structural and Vertical Support Systems
When growing strawberries in containers, small spaces, or specialized commercial operations, gardeners often turn to physical structures to provide elevation. One simple, dedicated tool is the plastic strawberry support ring or collar, which is designed to be placed around the base of the plant. These stands typically feature three sturdy legs and a grid or ring that holds the entire plant, including the developing fruit trusses, a few inches above the soil surface.
For maximizing yield in a small footprint, vertical systems utilize stacked structures that move the plants entirely off the ground. A-frame systems, for instance, consist of triangular frames that hold multiple growing shelves or bags on both sides. This design ensures that each plant receives adequate light exposure and significantly enhances airflow, which is particularly beneficial in humid environments.
Other vertical options include stacking containers, specialized strawberry pots, or towers made from materials like PVC or repurposed pallets. In these systems, the strawberry runners can be trained or allowed to cascade down the structure. Commercial growers often use table-top systems and hanging gutters, which elevate the plants to waist height, improving worker efficiency and keeping the fruit isolated from the ground.