How to Grow Strawberries: Gardening Guide

Strawberries are the main ingredient in many jams, pies, shortcakes, smoothies, and are eaten raw too.

They’re are also packed with potent plant compounds, antioxidants, vitamins C and B9, as well as potassium and manganese. That means besides being absolutely delicious, they also have the potential to be beneficial to your health.

Whether you’re a health nut, a gardener, or are simply curious about growing strawberries, we’ve got you covered. In this guide, we share all of the basics about growing these tasty little red fruits.

About Growing Strawberries

Growing strawberries, like growing tomatoes, is a gardening aspiration shared by hundreds of thousands of people around the world. Typically planted in early spring, strawberries are often ripe and ready for harvesting by early summer.

However, these little cuties aren’t necessarily the easiest berries to master growing. But, with the information below, you’ll be well enough informed to give it a go!

Quick Information About Strawberries

How much light is needed:	a minimum of 6 to 8 hours of full sun each day is needed, but more than that is even better
How much water is needed:	plenty of water, 1-2 inches of water weekly
Is it best to start with seeds or plants:	it is easier and more effective to grow strawberries from bare roots or small plants
The best month to plant:	in warmer climate zones the best time to plant strawberries is in January, February, March, or April; in cooler climate zones skip late winter planting and plant in March, April, or May
Preferred climate/temperature:	they grow best in climate zones ranging from subtropical regions to cooler zones
Is indoor or outdoor growing better:	growing strawberries indoors is an easier option because of the controlled environment and you have a source of fresh fruit during the whole year
Do indoor plants need to be pollinated:	yes, they need some manual stimulation even though they are self-pollinating plants
Level of difficulty to grow:	medium to high
Plant height:	3.5 inches to 8 inches
Time from planting to harvest:	transplants take about 2 months from the time they’re planted to the harvest, from seeds the process takes approximately 6 months

Tips for Growing Strawberries

1. Plant your berries in a sunny area

Pick the spot in your garden that you are sure will give your strawberries the most sun. Basically, there is no amount of sun that is too much. That said, six to eight hours of sun will work. Combined with enough water your strawberries will grow into big, sweet, juicy fruits.

2. Give your plants enough space to spread properly

Whether growing outdoor or indoor, make sure to give your strawberries plenty of space to spread. In the long run, each healthy strawberry plant will eventually shoot out at least three runners. Hence, they need plenty of room to stretch out.

Planting directly in the ground, in containers on balconies, in the dirt in raised beds, or wherever else you may decide to grow your strawberries, take into consideration the amount of space around each seedling. You want to allow them to get proper airflow and sunlight so leave about 18 inches between each plant for the optimal results.

3. Fertilize, plants need some food, too

If you ask us, organic compost and fertilizers are always the best. About a month before planting, put a nice layer of organic compost in the place you will plant the strawberries (even in pots). Strawberries have a high demand for nitrogen, so during the growing season take care that soil has enough of it.

Strawberry Growing FAQS

How can I make my strawberries grow bigger and sweeter?

Planting in a quick-draining sandy-type soil in combination with compost and/or general-purpose fertilizer guarantees big and sweet strawberries! If you plant strawberries at the wrong time of the year, during poor weather conditions, or in nutrient-starved soil, fruits will not be big or sweet as you would hope. First of all, make sure that the soil is slightly acidic. Strawberries enjoy a pH level of 5.5 to 6.5, which is why you may need to use compost and fertilizers.

Why are my strawberries struggling?

Believe it or not, the most common reason that causes a strawberry plant to struggle is too much heat and not enough water. Avoid the situation by watering your strawberries regularly, but make sure not to overwater them either. Fungus diseases such as Grey mold and Powdery mildew may also infect your plants, so keep eye on that.

Can you revive a dead strawberry plant?

Strawberry plants that aren’t completely dead yet may indeed be revived if treated quickly. If the plants have only a few leaves dried out by the sun, or damaged by frost, it is possible to bring them back to life.

To treat sunburned plants, simply remove the dead leaves, reduce the amount of light it receives, and water the plant extra-well for the next couple of weeks. For plants affected by frost, remove the leaves and protect the rest of the plant by placing a jug or plastic sheet over it.

A Final Word About Growing Strawberries

Hopefully, with all of the information above, now at your fingertips (and possibly added to your browser’s bookmarks tab), you’ll be growing strawberries like a pro in no time.

If you found this guide helpful, why not show us some love and share it with your friends and family on your favorite social media? We’d sure appreciate it!

Thanks for reading and good luck growing strawberries!

Suggest Reading: BLACKBERRIES AND RASPBERRIES: GARDENING GUIDE