How to Care for Strawberries: Your Ultimate Guide

Today we’re diving into everything you need to know about growing and caring for strawberries right in your own garden. Strawberries are one of the most beloved fruits for their sweet flavour and versatility, and with just a little bit of know-how, you can enjoy a sweet and juicy harvest right from your garden. 

Choosing Your Strawberry Variety

Strawberries come in three main types: June-bearing, everbearing, and day-neutral. June-bearing varieties produce a single, large crop per year during early summer, making them perfect for those who enjoy preserving their fruits or hosting summer berry-picking parties. Everbearing strawberries produce two smaller crops, one in early summer and another in early fall. Day-neutral plants, however, will produce fruit consistently throughout the growing season, though the yield might be smaller.

Choose a variety based on how you prefer to enjoy your strawberries. If you’re unsure, the team at Hilltop Garden Centre are happy to help you select the perfect variety for your garden conditions.

Planting Your Strawberries

Strawberries thrive in well-drained, fertile soil with plenty of sunlight. For best results:

• Choose a sunny spot: Strawberries require at least six to eight hours of sunlight per day.
• Prepare the soil: Mix in compost or well-rotted manure to enrich your soil. Strawberries prefer a slightly acidic soil. 
• Spacing: Plant your strawberries about 18 inches apart to allow for growth and airflow, which helps reduce the risk of disease.

Watering and Mulching

Strawberries have shallow roots, which makes consistent watering crucial, especially when the plants are young and during fruit bearing. Aim to keep the soil moist but not soggy. Mulching with straw or pine needles can help retain soil moisture, control weeds, and keep the fruits clean.

Fertilizing

Feed your strawberry plants a balanced fertilizer when planting and again in midseason after the first crop has been harvested. Be careful not to over-fertilize, as this can lead to lush green growth at the expense of fruit production.

Harvesting Your Strawberries

Strawberries are ready to harvest when they are fully red and firm to the touch. The best time to pick them is in the morning when the berries are cool. Harvest regularly to encourage more fruit to develop.

Winter Care

In colder regions, protecting your strawberry plants in winter is crucial. Once the growing season is over and the leaves have died back, cover your plants with a layer of straw or a frost blanket to protect them from freezing temperatures.

Enjoying Your Harvest

Finally, enjoy the fruits of your labor! Strawberries can be enjoyed fresh, in desserts, or preserved as jams and jellies. Don’t forget to visit us at Hilltop Garden Centre for all your gardening needs and more tips on making the most of your home garden.

With the right care, your strawberry plants can produce delicious fruits year after year. Whether you’re a novice or an experienced gardener, strawberries are a rewarding addition to any garden. Happy gardening!