Strawberry Growing Guide

Fragaria ananassa

Strawberry

Crop Rotation Group

Miscellaneous 

Soil

Well-drained, moderately acidic soil amended with compost.

Position

Full sun in beds, partial shade in containers.

Frost tolerant

Winter hardy, though plants go dormant from late fall to early spring.

Feeding

In fall and again in early spring, topdress established plants with rich compost or an organic fertilizer. Allow plants to rest in midsummer.

Spacing

Single Plants: 1' 7" (50cm) each way (minimum)
Rows: 1' 5" (45cm) with 1' 11" (60cm) row gap (minimum)

Sow and Plant

Set out plants in early spring, or in fall in mild winter areas. Take care not to bury the central crown when transplanting.
Our Garden Planner can produce a personalized calendar of when to sow, plant and harvest for your area.

Notes

Can be used as a ground cover beneath grapes or blueberries, or managed as a perpetual bed. In late summer, remove weeds and withered leaves, and thin runners to no more than 3 per plant. Lift and transplant extra runners.

Harvesting

Gather ripe fruits in the morning, when they are cool, and refrigerate immediately. Wash in cool water just before eating.

Troubleshooting

Slugs can be deterred with straw mulch or traps. Use lightweight cloth or netting to protect ripening berries from birds.

Planting and Harvesting Calendar

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Pests which Affect Strawberry