Thursday, May 17, 2012

Why Do My Strawberry Plants Not Produce Strawberries

By Beverly Nation

If you are dismayed that your healthy strawberry plants produce runners without any fruit, you must first be certain of the type of strawberry plant you have. June strawberries produce fruit in early, middle or late spring. Ever-bearing strawberries produce fruit during three periods: in spring, summer and fall. Day neutral strawberries produce fruit during the entire growing season from spring to fall. If you have identified the type of strawberry plants you have and determined they are not producing fruit as they should, you can encourage the plants to bloom and produce strawberries.

Plant strawberry cultivars determined to grow well in your climate. Research what strawberry plants thrive in your region. Plants developed for Minnesota might not grow well in Texas. When plants are not suited for the climate, they will not produce fruit.

Test the soil in your garden before planting strawberries. They need a pH level between 5.5 to 6.5. If the pH is too low, add dolomitic lime. If you are using a garden area that previously grew grass, wait one year before planting strawberries. If pH levels are off, plants will not produce fruit.

Pinch off the flowers of June strawberry plants when they appear throughout the first growing season. This will ensure robust root development and promote abundant fruit production the next year. Remove flowers on ever-bearing and day neutral strawberries until June 30. Plants will then produce fruit in summer and fall.

Scatter fertilizer such as 10-10-10 over the soil before setting strawberry plants. Work the fertilizer into the top 6 to 8 inches of soil. During the second growing season and each year thereafter, fertilize again in July. Water carefully so fertilizer soaks down into the roots. Avoid using too much fertilizer. This causes abundant leaf growth and diminishes fruit production. Brush off any fertilizer that falls on leaves.

Water your strawberry plants regularly. Their shallow root system can dry out easily on hot summer days. Plants will not produce fruit if they are too thirsty. In addition, overwatering stops fruit production. The crowns of the plants can rot if under water or planted in soil that is not well-drained.


Renovate your strawberry patch starting the third or fourth growing season. Thin plants, leaving the most healthy with spacing of 6 inches apart on all sides.


When planting strawberries, set them so the roots are just below the soil's surface. Do not cover the crown. This will lead to poor fruit production.

http://www.howtoplantstrawberries.com

When to Plant Strawberries in Zone 6

By Samantha Volz

The United States Department of Agriculture splits the country up into zones to make it easier to understand how plants grow in different climates. The zones are determined by the area's average minimum temperature. In zone 6, which includes parts of California, Texas and even southern areas of Pennsylvania, that temperature is minus 10 degrees Fahrenheit. Strawberry planting must take place in the spring in these areas to achieve a healthy crop.

For zone 6, the goal is to plant strawberries after the threat of frost is mostly gone but before the temperatures get too high. The optimal month for planting strawberries is March in these areas. The chance of frost has all but passed and there are still at least two to three months before the summer heat will beat down on the berries. If a surprise frost takes place, the strawberries should be able to withstand a short burst of cold.

Plant strawberries in an area of your garden or yard that receives at least seven hours of full sun each day. Strong sunlight will ensure larger and healthier fruit. The vine structure of the strawberry plant means that you can plant them in hanging pots, on arbors or trellises like grapes or on the ground. As attractive as these berries are to us, they also appeal to deer, rabbits and birds, so if you ever see these critters in your yard or garden, keep your berries in an area that is protected by fences or arbors.

Strawberries require moist but well-draining soil or else they can suffer from rot and similar diseases. Before planting, amend your soil with organic amendments like aged manure or compost to increase drainage. Space multiple strawberry plants at least 18 inches apart; if planting in rows, space rows at least 3 feet apart so that you have room to walk among the plants to care for or harvest the berries without stepping on others.

Spread a 1- to 2-inch layer of pine straw mulch around the strawberries as soon as you see the plant start to bloom. This will insulate the strawberries from extreme heat as summer approaches. Mulch also helps the soil around the berries maintain moisture, preventing the berries from drying out. Water strawberries with 1 to 2 inches of water every week, depending on rainfall. In general, water them whenever the top 2 inches of soil feel dry to the touch to keep them consistently moist. Fertilize the plants with organic liquid fertilizer every three weeks during the growing season (generally until the end of summer or early fall) to encourage large and healthy berries.


http://www.howtoplantstrawberries.com

When to Plant Strawberries in Zone 5

By Jacob J. Wright

The long winter in U.S. Department of Agriculture plant hardiness zone 5 makes spring planting of strawberry plants best. This gives the young plants as long a growing season as possible to establish roots before winter cold sets in again.

Strawberry plants will tolerate mild subfreezing temperatures and frosts. In USDA zone 5, the ideal time to plant strawberries to create a new bed is in early spring -- late March through April. Wait until the frost leaves the ground and the soil is no longer mucky.

Plant all strawberry types and varieties in spring for best establishment. June-bearing strawberries spread by running stems to create a thicket. Everbearing and day-neutral strawberries are maintained as tidy clumps.

After planting, pluck off all flowers on everbearing and day-neutral strawberry varieties until the plants have been in the ground for six weeks. Remove the flowers from June-bearing strawberries the entire first year to prevent berry production. Removing flowers focuses plant energy to create strong root systems and healthy foliage.

Plant the crown of the strawberry, the transitional area where stems united to then become roots, even with the soil. Planting too deeply encourages plant rot while planting too shallowly leads to dehydration.


http://www.howtoplantstrawberries.com

When to Plant Strawberries in Zone 4

By Cheryl Munson

Zone 4 of the USDA hardiness map covers the northern Midwest regions of the United States, which includes the states of Iowa, Minnesota, Montana, Nebraska, North Dakota, South Dakota, Wisconsin and Wyoming. The University of Iowa Extension recommends planting strawberries in March and April.

June bearing strawberry varieties produce the largest and earliest crops. The University of Minnesota Extension recommends Earliglow for early blooming strawberries, Kent and Mesabi for mid-season blooms, and Winona for a late summer strawberry harvest.

Everbearing strawberry varieties produce two crops in a single season. The first crop will be ready to harvest in late spring or early summer, and the second crop will be ready in the early fall. Fort Laramie and Ogallala varieties grow best in Zone 4 according to the University of Minnesota.

Day-neutral strawberries produce fruit the entire growing season. Zone 4 day-neutral varieties include Tribute and Tristar.


http://www.howtoplantstrawberries.com

When to Plant Strawberries in West Virginia

By Lillian Webster

Strawberries can be grown in most parts of West Virginia. During the winter, the plants should be continually cultivated when possible, and mulch should be applied. New plants can go into the ground in the spring.

Strawberries should be planted before the rainy season begins in West Virginia. The best time to set the plants is between mid-March and mid-April. If you need to store the plants before setting them in the ground, they are best kept in a cool basement.

Strawberries will bear fruit about one month after the first bloom, typically in late May. Berries should be harvested about every other day, for a total of about seven pickings.

Strawberries thrive in a soil with a pH level of at least 5.0 -- ideally, the pH will be between 5.8 and 6.5. The soil should be plowed or tilled as soon as possible after March 1 in preparation for strawberry planting. If applying fertilizer, use a 5-10-10 formula.


http://www.howtoplantstrawberries.com

When to Plant Strawberries in Pots to Get Spring Berries

By Irum Sarfaraz

Strawberries are very hardy perennials that grow with only a little bit of care and attention in limited space. They should be well weeded and pruned to obtain a good harvest. Strawberries grow very well in containers and hanging baskets. There are also special strawberry pots which provide added ease in harvesting the fruit. Strawberries are best planted in raised beds and larger pots as this allows adequate watering without getting the leaves too wet. To get a spring harvest, strawberries need to be planted in pots in September.

Strawberries can be very easily grown in containers and pots as long as they are kept amply watered. When planting in pots plant them in about 6 inches of soil. In order to get berries in spring, plant the strawberries by September. To get an even earlier harvest move the plants indoors in February. Then pollinate them by brushing from flower to flower with a delicate paintbrush, picking and transferring the yellow pollen from one flower to the next. Prepare a good soil for planting strawberries. The roots of strawberry plants are shallow rooted as compared to most other fruit plants and they have to get all their nutrition and moisture from the topsoil.

The soil for planting strawberries needs to be light, slightly acid and well enriched with compost, peat or manure. This helps to hold in moisture during dry weather. The same soil which is good for vegetables is usually optimal for strawberries as well.


Do not plant strawberries in nematode-infested soil. Nematodes are commonly found in soil in warmer climates but can be present in other areas, too. It you suspect nematodes in the soil, it is best to sterilize the soil before planting strawberries.


The best time to plant strawberries is early spring. When planting strawberries in containers, pots and jars plant them in fall and place them in a sheltered area. It is also recommended to mulch them heavily to provide insulation.


http://www.howtoplantstrawberries.com

When to Plant Strawberries in Northeast Ohio

By Kim Kenney

Strawberries are a popular choice for home gardeners because they are easy to plant, use little space and produce fruit quickly. Gardeners can expect to harvest fruit from the same strawberry plants for up to three years. Most of Ohio's commercial strawberry farms are located in Northeast and Central Ohio.

In Northeast Ohio, plant strawberries between April 15 and May 15, according to Integrated Pest Management Centers. The Ohio State University Extension does not recommend planting strawberries in the fall because young plants can be injured by the freeze-thaw cycle.

June-bearing strawberry plants will not produce a full crop of fruit until the season after they are planted, according to the Ohio State University Extension. Day-neutral strawberry plants will produce fruit the first season they are planted. Both types are ready to be harvested in late May or June.

June-bearing strawberry varieties recommended for Ohio include Earliglow, Lateglow, Lester, Redchief, Surecrop, Midway, Guardian, Delite and Kent. Tribute and Tristar day-neutral varieties grow well in Ohio.


http://www.howtoplantstrawberries.com

When to Plant Strawberries in North Carolina

By Lillian Webster

Strawberries can survive in any region throughout North Carolina. The plants thrive in full sunlight; do not plant strawberries in a low-lying area prone to a spring frost.

Strawberries require different planting times for specific regions of North Carolina. Plant strawberry plants during March in the eastern part of the state; in the western part of the state and in the mountains, plant them in late March to April.

In eastern North Carolina, strawberries are ready for harvest starting in April. If you plant in the western part of the state, anticipate growth in early May, while mountain strawberries are ready for harvest at the end of May. Pick strawberries in the morning, while they are still cool.

Test the soil four to six months before planting. Strawberries will thrive in a soil with a pH of between 5.5 and 6.5. If the pH balance is low, raise it by treating the soil with dolomitic lime.


http://www.howtoplantstrawberries.com

When to Plant Strawberries in Mississippi

By Cheryl Munson

The best time of year to plant strawberries in Mississippi depends largely on the weather. If you're willing to start the plants indoors, you'll have a little more flexibility with the timing.

Plant strawberries outdoors in Mississippi after all signs of frost to enjoy an early spring harvest. Seedlings from plants sown indoors or purchased from a nursery are typically planted from March through May.

Start outdoor container plantings from seed or seedlings when the nighttime temperatures no longer fall below 32 degrees Fahrenheit. Place the container in a location that will receive as much full daytime sun as possible and keep the container well watered.

You can grow strawberries indoors in pots and plant the seeds or seedlings whenever you wish. Just keep the soil moist and eliminate exposure to temperatures below freezing. Locate the pot in a spot that will receive full sun throughout the day.

Commercial growers plant in the spring to harvest strawberries for sale in the late summer and early fall months and then again in late summer and early fall months to meet demand for fresh strawberries in the spring.


http://www.howtoplantstrawberries.com

When to Plant Strawberries in Kentucky

By Lillian Webster

In Kentucky, you can grow strawberries in a backyard garden or for profit. If you plan to plant at least an acre of strawberries, consider investing in a strong colony of bees to encourage pollination.

Plant strawberries in Kentucky in early spring. The plants are ready for the garden as soon as you can work the ground in March or April.

The strawberry harvest begins in May and lasts for two to three weeks. Collect all berries during this time; freeze unused strawberries to store them for future use.

Strawberries grow best in Kentucky soil that is deep and sandy. Clay soil can also be acceptable if it provides good drainage. Plant strawberries on higher ground to help them avoid frosts.


http://www.howtoplantstrawberries.com

When to Plant Strawberries in Indiana

By Elton Dunn

Strawberry plants grow well throughout Indiana, with Junebearing varieties being the most reliable across the state. Fresh berries can be eaten raw, cooked into jam or used in cakes and other pastries. Fruit ripens from mid May to late June in most parts of the Hoosier state, so berry plants need an early start to adapt to their planting environment and grow.

When the ground thaws enough to be worked, you can begin preparing the bed for strawberries. Turn over the soil to a depth of 12 inches, breaking up soil clods and removing rocks and debris from the soil. Work in a couple inches of compost or manure to enrich the soil. Incorporating 1 lb. of 6-24-24 NPK fertilizer for a 50-square-foot bed will give the berries enough nutrients to grow well.

Indiana growers can start strawberries in early spring, once the soil is prepared. This tends to be March or April for most of the region. If the soil is boggy from an excessively wet spring, hold off on planting until the ground dries out. Planting early gives the strawberries enough time to grow vigorously through the spring before summer weather sets it.

In each row, plan to leave 15 to 24 inches between strawberry plants. Then space rows 36 to 48 inches apart. Proper spacing allows your plants enough room to grow and fruit, while still leaving air circulation between them. Dig one hole for each strawberry plant that's twice as wide as the plant's root ball, then plant your berries by placing the plant in the hole and firming the soil around the roots.

Strawberries need full sun and well-draining soil, and do best in sandy loam, although they'll grow in most Indiana soils. Gardeners should avoid planting strawberries where strawberries, tomatoes, potatoes or other plants susceptible to verticillium wilt have grown in the last two to three years, advises Purdue University horticulturist Bruce Bordelon. Recommended cultivars for Indiana include Earliglow, Redchief, Surecrop, Allstar and Annapolis.


http://www.howtoplantstrawberries.com

When to Plant Strawberries in Hydroponics System

By Irum Sarfaraz

The hydroponics system of growing uses a nutrient solution instead of conventional rooting mediums such as soil. The roots of the plants are suspended in aerated nutrient solution that flows through separate root channels, or are sprayed periodically with the solution. The best time to plant strawberries in a hydroponic system outdoors is right after the last seasonal frost. If the hydroponics garden is indoors, then strawberries can be planted any time during the year.

Use freshly dug strawberry plant runners for the planting. Wash the runners thoroughly and then soak them in a fungicide solution for 20 minutes in order to get rid of any soil-borne diseases. Even with these precautions it is very common for hydroponic strawberries to be afflicted with the soil borne pathogen red stele or Phytopthora. Use only the healthiest runners for hydroponic growing. Starter plugs for strawberries can also be obtained from hydroponic plant suppliers.

The suggested media for hydroponic strawberries include coconut fiber, perlite or Rockwell. After planting, cover the plants with a clear plastic to elevate the humidity level. Keep the plants away from direct sunlight until they have developed a strong root system.

Grow hydroponics strawberries in either a green house or a glassed-in porch. If this is not possible, use appropriate indoor garden lights to make sure the plants are getting the six to seven hours of the required full-spectrum sunlight. Maintain the temperature between 64 to 77 degrees F for optimal growth.

Feed the hydroponics strawberries with commercially prepared organic solutions for hydroponics. Maintain the pH between 5.8 and 6.2 and change the growing solution twice a month.

Since pollination in the hydroponics system cannot occur with honeybees, strawberries need to be hand pollinated. Use a small paintbrush brush on the blossoms as soon they open to transfer pollen from stamens to pistils. You can also use an oscillating fan in order to speed up the pollination process.


http://www.howtoplantstrawberries.com

When to Plant Strawberries in Dallas, Texas

By Sarah Jackson

Growing strawberries is an annual favorite of rookie and seasoned gardeners alike. However, growing strawberries in the South requires different methods than the North. This guide provides a few basics to ensure the success of your strawberry-growing experience.

Strawberries in the Dallas area typically take 8 months from start to finish and, as such, should be planted in September or early October. Waiting until November to plant could drastically reduce the number of strawberries produced. You can expect strawberries planted in September or October to yield fruit in April or May.

There are hundreds of varieties of strawberries in existence, but for the average home garden in Dallas there are only a few varieties that will grow well: Chandler, Sequoia and Douglas. Although Chandler is most likely the best variety to grow in the Dallas area, its not often available at local nurseries. Sequoia or Douglas are both great varieties for fall planting and grow good quality berries. Ask your local nursery what other spring-bearing strawberries they sell, as most will work satisfactorily when planted in fall.

When choosing which variety of strawberry to plant, avoid everbearing ("never-bearing" in the Dallas area) or day-neutral varieties as these will bear a lower quality fruit under the heat of a Dallas spring and summer.

Providing proper soil is the most difficult part of growing a healthy strawberry plant in the Dallas area. Strawberries thrive in an acidic, sandy soil and Dallas consists of a mostly alkaline, clay-type soil. Options include digging and removing current soil and replacing it with appropriate soil purchased from your local nursery or building a raised bed and filling it with purchased soil. Strawberries also grow quite well in containers.


http://www.howtoplantstrawberries.com

When to Plant Strawberries for Spring Berries

By Julie Tridle

When it comes to planting strawberries, there are three types to choose from, all which produce berries in the spring. June bearing berries produce one large crop per season in late spring or early summer. Everbearing strawberries produce two to three crops per year generally during spring and summer. Day neutral varieties produce fruit continuously throughout your growing season. All varieties should be planted as early as possible in the spring. Though strawberry plants produce berries for three to four years, most will not produce a hearty crop the first year.

Deciding when to plant strawberries depends upon your region and your climate rather than your preferred harvest date. Spring, summer or early fall berry production depends upon the variety of strawberry you choose rather than when you plant.


In most states, you should plant strawberries as soon as the ground warms, in late winter or early spring. The South Dakota State University Extension recommends late April to early May planting in its state. Oklahoma growers, on the other hand, should plant in late February or early March, according to the Oklahoma State University Extension.


In the Gulf states, Florida and parts of California, the strawberry growing cycle is different, however. Instead of early spring planting, strawberries should be planted in late fall or early winter for harvesting the following spring. Louisiana State University, for instance, recommends Louisiana growers plant in October through December.

If you decide you'd like June bearing strawberries and would like a spring harvest, choose early or midseason varieties. Popular options include Veestar, Supercrop, Earliglow and Chandler. Aside from the harvest date, you should take care to choose your strawberries based on their size, yield, flavor and their compatibility with your climate. Veestar, for instance, are high-yielding plants that produce medium-size berries. They are hardy to USDA zone 2, tolerating extremely cool climates. Chandler strawberries, on the other hand, are large-berry, high-yielding plants that are better suited for warmer climates.


Most varieties of everbearing and day neutral strawberries will produce berries in the spring. Unlike June bearing strawberries, which don't produce until the second growing season, everbearing and day neutral varieties will produce a small crop the first year. As with June bearing varieties, it's important to choose a plants based on yield, berry size and flavor as well as climate needs. Ozark Beauty, for instance, is a popular everbearing plant well suited for Northeastern and Midwestern climates. Tribute, on the other hand, is a popular day neutral variety, great in cold Northeastern climates as well as in warm Southern states.


http://www.howtoplantstrawberries.com

When to Plant Strawberries Biodynamically

By Irum Sarfaraz

Biodynamic gardening is a method of gardening in which the fertility of soil is increased through the use of environmental balance by using double digging, raised beds and the addition of compost. Biodynamic agriculture works by examining the specific relationship between different plants and their environment. This information reveals how plants grow optimally when placed next to certain plants and not to others. To harvest strawberries biodynamically, the dormant plants need to be planted in early spring after the weather has stabilized, and it is important not to delay the planting.

Biodynamic gardening is much like organic gardening. It is a holistic plant growth system pioneered by the Austrian philosopher Rudolf Steiner, who believed that the relationship of the plant in question with other plants as well as with its environment is crucial for optimal growth. For instance, strawberries grow best when grown next to green beans, while onions are not favorable to the growth of green beans. Similarly, tomatoes have a narcissistic temperament. They like to be planted alone and prefer a compost made with tomato plants.


The best time to plant biodynamic strawberries is in early spring after the weather conditions are stabilized and settled. It is not advised to wait until late spring or early summer because dormant strawberry plants will not survive for so long.

When choosing a site to cultivate strawberries, avoid the soil that has been intensively cropped, because such soil has often lost a great deal of fertility. Many physical properties and tilth of the soil are also impaired in repeatedly cropped sites. Also avoid planting strawberries in soil that has been used for solanaceous crops such as tomatoes, potatoes, eggplants and peppers, for at least four to five years. Making sure the soil is right helps to curb occurrence of root diseases such as verticillium wilt and black root rot.


Though strawberries do best in soil high in organic content, this soil is also likely to be rich with white grubs that have a partiality for strawberry roots. Hence, if planning to plant in areas that have been in sod, make sure that the sod is turned and spaded once per year before actual planting.The recommended soil for biodynamic strawberry growing should not only be rich with organic matter but should also be well drained yet able to retain moisture.


The soil pH should be between 5.7 to 6. Prepare your soil well before the planting in order to attain the right level of fertility, soil structure and organic matter. Preparing ahead of time also ensures proper riddance of weeds and pests.


http://www.howtoplantstrawberries.com

When to Plant Louisiana Strawberries

By Jacob J. Wright

Strawberries grow well in all parts of the Bayou State, but Tangipahoa and Livingston parishes comprise the heart of commercial strawberry cultivation. The cool but mild fall to spring months in Louisiana are the prime strawberry production times. Because strawberries are tolerant of frosts and appreciate the gradually warming winter to spring months for flowering and fruiting, gardeners need to schedule planting new strawberry plants in mid-autumn. Expect plants to flower and fruit anytime from February to April.

Strawberry plants need a sunny garden location where they receive uninterrupted sunshine that lasts a minimum of six hours daily in Louisiana. The garden soil needs to be acidic in pH, ideally 5.2 to 6.0. Sandy and loam soils that remain moisture but drain well after rain or irrigation are essential for good root growth and prevention of fungal rot diseases.

Once gardeners select the location for planting strawberries, the soil bed needs to be prepared in anticipation of fall planting. During the month of August, Louisianans should till the area and add organic matter like compost to improve soil texture, fertility and drainage. If soil pH needs correction, August is the month to apply amendments to create the acidic growing conditions strawberries need for best growth. Weed the area in September and allow the soil to settle and organic matter to further decompose.

According the Louisiana Ag Center, strawberry transplants are best planted outdoors in October or November. The finest flowering and development of fruits occur when strawberries are planted mid-October to early November. This coincides roughly with two to four weeks before the first killing frost in parishes across the state. The frosts and cool temperatures will not harm the strawberries, as root growth remains the main focus of the plants until warmth returns in mid- and late winter.

Planting depth of strawberry plants plays a key role in subsequent establishment and health. The crown of the strawberry, where the root transitions to the above-ground stem at the soil line, must be planted correctly. Planting the crown too deeply smothers it and leads to rot, while planting it too shallow with the crown above the soil leads to dried-out roots. Match the crown with the garden soil so it's planted at the same depth as it grew in the nursery containers. Irrigate after planting to remove air pockets and supplement rainfall to keep the roots evenly moist the rest of the winter into spring as the plants begin to produce flowers. Encourage honeybees to visit your garden, as they facilitate pollination needed to obtain the berries.


http://www.howtoplantstrawberries.com

When to Plant Everbearing Strawberries

By Diane Dilov-Schultheis

Everbearing is one of three different types of strawberries grown in home gardens. The other two types include June-bearing and day-neutral strawberry plants. Everbearing strawberries will bear two (in spring and late summer) or three (spring, summer and fall) crope per year, depending on your location.

The ideal time to plant everbearing strawberries is in early spring when you can easily work the soil. This is typically in March or April in most regions and provides plenty of time for the strawberry plants to take root before the hot days of summer begin. Wait until the soil is dry and then select an overcast, cool day or wait until the late afternoon to plant the strawberries. Only purchase healthy everbearing strawberry plants from a reliable source.

Selecting the best location to plant the everbearing strawberries will ensure the plants produce an abundance of blossoms and berries. Do not plant strawberry plants in a site where any peppers, potatoes, tomatoes and other strawberries were grown in the last three years. Find a site that provides at least six and up to 10 hours of full sunlight a day. Stay clear of locations near structures or tall trees, which could shade the strawberry plants.

Supply enough room to provide each everbearing strawberry plant with 1 square foot of growing area. You need to space the plants 1 foot apart in rows that are spaced 2 feet apart. Enrich the soil in the location selected through preparing raised beds for the everbearing plants. Use a combination of 1 part peat, 1 part topsoil and 2 parts builders' sand. Clear the planting site of all foliage, and then add the mix into the top 6 inches of soil.

Water container-grown transplants or soak any bare-root strawberry plants for at least an hour before planting. Remove old foliage and any blossoms on the plants. Cut off any weak or roots over 4 to 5 inches long. Dig a hole to plant the everbearing strawberry with the roots under the soil and the crown just above. Water the area to settle the plants in place and then give each strawberry plant 1 to 2 cups of a starter fertilizer.


http://www.howtoplantstrawberries.com

When to Plant Alpine Strawberries

By Bonnie Grant

Eating Alpine strawberries is like eating candy. Each tiny berry bursts with such sweetness, that it's hard to stop snacking on the fruit. Alpine strawberries need to be planted in spring after all danger of frost has passed. These fruits are hardy in USDA zones 5 to 9. In zones 5 and 6, you will not be able to plant until late May. In warmer zones (7 to 9), plant the berries at the beginning of April. You can purchase starts or begin the berries by seed. Seeds need to be started 10 weeks before the last expected frost date to ensure berries.

Alpine strawberries are small plants that grow into little mounds instead of spreading by runners. They have green serrated leaves and are excellent small ornamental plants. Some varieties that grow golden-yellow berries as well as the common red. The tiny pointed fruit are only 3/4 inch in diameter, and are a cultivated breed of wild or woodland berries. Alpine strawberries are perennial and yield a season-long harvest.

As the name implies, Alpine strawberries are mountainous plants. As such, they require a cold period to germinate. This is called stratification and can be mimicked in the home. The seeds are chilled for three weeks before sowing. They can be sown 1 inch apart and 1/8 inch deep in flats of moistened potting or seed starting mix. The plants will be ready to plant in about eight to 10 weeks. Seeds can be sown outside in fall in climates without freezing winters.

Strawberries need well-drained soil, bright full sunlight and plenty of organic matter. Till the soil to a depth of 12 inches and add 3 inches of compost and 1 or 2 inches of sand to create a nutrient-rich bed. Strawberry starts should be acclimated to the outdoors before you disturb their roots and stress the plants. Bring them outside for gradually longer periods of time over the course of one week. Outdoor nighttime temperatures should be at least 50 degrees Fahrenheit before you plant, and all frost danger past. Give the plants even moisture and two or three applications of balanced fertilizer in the growing season to produce a bumper crop of strawberries. A balanced fertilizer (5-5-5 or 10-10-10) gives you an equal ratio of nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium.

Apply a bird netting over the berry bed if you want any of these juicy red fruits. Birds and other wildlife find them irresistible. The fruits begin to form shortly after planting and last all summer long. Alpine strawberries produce fruit for up to four years. The plants' clumping habit makes it easy to divide them to start fresh clumps. The plants can be grown easily in pots or containers and even hanging baskets. The fruit should pull off easily when ripe. Seven or eight berry plants only produce a cup of fruit per week, but the delightful taste makes it worth the puny harvest.


http://www.howtoplantstrawberries.com

When to Move Strawberry Plants

By Kate Carpenter

One of the best things about having your own strawberry patch, besides harvesting the sweet berries, is that the plants are prolific in sending out runners of new strawberry plants. When your strawberry garden gets too crowded from the runners, or maybe you simply wish to relocate your patch, moving or transplanting your plants at the correct time will mean the difference between thriving plants that produce fruit sooner.

Whether you are planning to move the runners from your strawberry plants or your original strawberry plants, it should be after the plant has finished, or stopped producing strawberries for that season and is dormant, with no new flowers forming. Moving a strawberry plant while it is growing and still in production will only add additional stress to the transplanting of the plant and may cause it to die, take longer for it to re-establish its root system, or to stop producing berries.


Most gardeners prefer to move their strawberry plants in the fall, between September and early November. This is best if you live in a region that does not experience an early frost or harsh winters. By moving your strawberries in the fall you allow them to establish a strong root system in their new location before the cold weather begins. If you are moving your original plants, be sure to remove any runners from the plant when you transplant it so the plant is not using its energy to support the runners, but to establish its roots. Although you can move any variety of strawberry plants in the fall, the fall transplanting method is especially advantageous to strawberry varieties that are early-spring fruit bearing. You will have a more successful crop the next spring if you move these varieties in the fall.


If you are growing late-season fruit-bearing strawberries (those that ripen in mid to late summer) you can wait and move the plants in early spring. Do this as soon as you can work the soil and when the threat of hard frost or freeze has passed. After you move them, should a frost be predicted, cover the newly transplanted strawberries with several inches of straw mulch to protect them. It is better to do this than to wait until all frost risk is gone, such as in April. Moving your strawberry plants too late in the spring may result in your plants not producing any fruit for the current growing season.


http://www.howtoplantstrawberries.com

When to Divide Strawberry Plants

By Dee Davies

Strawberries are one of the most popular and easily grown edibles in the home garden. A single, healthy strawberry plant can produce several runners. Runners are shoots that branch out from the base of a mother strawberry plant. They vine along the ground and are capable of forming roots, resulting in daughter strawberry plants. Divide daughter plants from mother strawberry plants, using the daughter plants to enlarge the strawberry patch or replace the plants that die off, are diseased or stop producing strawberries. June-Bearer, ever-bearer and day-neutral strawberries have differing timelines for successful propagation.

Strawberry plants begin to produce runners within four or five weeks. Between late July and early August, determine which strawberry plants have the most promising runners. Choose plants that have a history of vigorous growth, numerous runners and high fruit yields. Inspect the runners and determine which runners have the healthiest leaves. If the runner has already formed a tiny baby plant, it is a good candidate for division. Roots may have developed along the runner, choose a spot on the runner that has the greatest amount of roots. Cover the runner with dirt, approximately halfway between the mother plant and the daughter plant. About five weeks later, gently tug on the baby strawberry plant to test for root growth. If it does not come out, the roots have established. Cut the runner from the mother plant.


Do not propagate June-bearing strawberry plants during their first growing season. During the first year of growing June-bearing strawberry plants, pinch off all of the flowers. Rather than devoting energy towards fruiting, the plant will devote its energy towards becoming established and producing runners. Let runners develop during the second year of growth. Allow runners to grow and take root after harvesting the strawberry plants. In late August, ensure that the daughter plant's roots have established. If so, divide it from the mother plant.


Divide ever-bearer and day-neutral strawberry plants after harvesting them during the first growing season. Pinch the flowers off ever-bearing and day-neutral strawberry plants until the end of June. Do not allow ever-bearing strawberry plants to develop runners until the mother plant has decreased fruit production in the late summer. The best time to divide ever-bearing strawberry plant from the mother is after the mother has become "exhausted." It is not necessary to pinch the runners off day-neutral strawberry plants when they emerge. Therefore, they are ready for division earlier than ever-bearers. Propagate day-neutral strawberry plants as roots form along the runners. Cover part of the runner with dirt and cut the baby plant from the mother once roots are established.


http://www.howtoplantstrawberries.com

When Should You Plant Strawberries

By Peter Timm

Strawberries can be grown either on the ground or from hanging planters or strawberry jars. An advantage of using a planter is that it prevents the strawberry from having contact with the ground, which can cause the strawberries to rot. Depending on the specific type of strawberries you're planting, you can grow them throughout the season.

Plant your strawberries in the spring, usually during the months of March or April. Planting around this time of year will give your strawberries a chance to start growing before the heat of summer arrives. If you have planted your strawberries and learn of an impending frost, you can protect your strawberries by covering them with a sheet of plastic or mulch.

More important than the time of year that you plant is the condition of the soil when you do your actual planting. Try to plant your strawberries as soon as the ground is workable, thawed out from winter, moist and ready for growth. Do not plant your strawberries if the ground is wet. If the ground is still saturated with water from the melting snow or excessive rain, wait a few days for the soil to dry out a little. Strawberries grow best in soil with good drainage.

You can prepare your soil with an application of fertilizer; do not over fertilize your soil, doing so can cause a decrease in the number of strawberries grown. Apply approximately 1 lb. of fertilizer for every 100 square feet of your garden and work it in so the fertilizer is approximately 6 inches deep. Watering the fertilizer will help it work its way down to root level.

Plant your strawberries, so the soil covers the top of the roots, the crown of the plant should be exposed. In approximately four to five weeks, your plants will spread to the surrounding area, for this reason to not plant your strawberries near any plants that you wish to keep clear. Plant your strawberries where they will be exposed to sunlight for at least six hours a day. Strawberries should receive at least 1 inch of water per week.


http://www.howtoplantstrawberries.com

When Should You Plant Strawberries in Oklahoma

By Carrie Terry

Strawberries grow on plants rather than bushes or trees. They also double as a ground cover during the winter. Different varieties of strawberries bloom and bear at different times of the summer, but all strawberries thrive in the warmth of Oklahoma.

Strawberries grow anywhere in Oklahoma and are the most popular home garden crop in that state, according to the Oklahoma State University Cooperative Extension. They also are grown as one of the most successful cash crops in the area.

The best time to set spring strawberries out in Oklahoma is February through mid-March. This ensures they get into the ground after the last frost and have the full summer growing season.

In the southeast corner of Oklahoma, where temperatures are warmer, strawberries can be planted in the fall and spring. Strawberries put out in October to mid-November have the entire winter to take root and achieve better blooming and fruit harvests in the summer.


http://www.howtoplantstrawberries.com

When Should You Plant Sequoia Strawberries

By Bonnie Singleton

Strawberries have been popular fruit-bearing plants since ancient Roman times. They are perennials and fairly easy to grow, producing fruit for up to five years. The variety known as "(Fragaria x ananassa) Sequoia" or the "sequoia strawberry" is a favorite with gardeners, bearing large, robustly flavored berries in late spring and early summer.

Locate your strawberry plants in gardens, patio planters or hanging planters, as they do well in almost any spot. Planted outdoors, their lush dark green leaves will provide an attractive ground cover. If planted in pots, they can be relocated inside when the weather turns colder. The plants typically grow to a height of just under 6 inches (15 centimeters) and don't need to be staked.


Strawberry plants are generally safe, but strawberries are a fairly common allergen. People who get allergic reactions when eating strawberries may also have a mild to moderate skin reaction from handling the plant at any point during its growth cycle, resulting in itching, hives and contact dermatitis. Note also that the berries will attract bees (as well as butterflies and birds); if you have an allergy to bee stings, this is something to keep in mind.


According to The Garden Helper plant encyclopedia (found online at www.thegardenhelper.com), strawberry plants are subject to fruit rot (botrytis), root rot (red stele) and fungus (verticillium wilt). Also be on the lookout for pests such as aphids and spiders, which will require dusting or spraying, and for slugs and snails, which can be controlled with copper barriers or special traps available at nurseries and garden-supply centers.


Consult your local nursery about which varieties of strawberry are best suited for your particular area and which pesticides and fungicides to use. Make sure to follow the instructions that come with whichever product you choose. If you're planning on eating the berries, never use pesticides or fungicides on plants once the fruit has set, to avoid ingesting poison.

Consult a USDA plant hardiness map (such as the one found in the resources section below) to determine which growing zone you live in. Zone 1 is the coldest and zone 11 is the warmest. The Garden Helper suggests that in regions with severe winters (such as USDA zones 1 through 5), you should plant your strawberry plants in early spring (usually in March or April), as soon as the ground can be worked. If frost is predicted after planting, cover your plants. Old blankets or sheets will work; a spun bond material (Reemay is one brand) or a row cover can protect strawberry plantings at temperatures as low as 23 degrees Fahrenheit. Potted plants can simply be brought indoors.


In areas with milder winters, such as zones 6 through 11, plant your strawberries in the fall, from mid-September to mid-November; this will give you your first crop in the spring. Pick off flower buds during the first month or so after planting to allow the plants to get established and stronger.


There are two types of strawberries: June-bearing and everbearing. True to their name, June-bearing plants produce fruit in June. Everbearing plants (such as the sequoia) produce crops from the spring through the fall. Many gardeners plant both types to maximize strawberry production times.

If you purchased your strawberry plants, they will come in bareroot bundles with exposed roots. Separate the bundled plants, remove any dried leaves at their tops, and soak the roots in a bucket of warm water for an hour or so before planting. If the roots are long, you can trim them back to about 4 or 5 inches before planting.


Although most gardeners purchase strawberry plants, some choose to grow them from seed. If using seeds, plant them in a 1- to 2-inch layer of seed-starting mix, making sure to keep plenty of space between them. Cover with 1/8 inch of additional seed-starting mix, and keep them moist. The seeds will sprout in a few weeks; transplant the seedlings to regular soil when the sprouts have a third or fourth grouping of leaves.


Whether you are starting from seed or from a purchased plant, place your strawberry plants in a sunny location in acidic soil (a pH of 5.6 to 6.5). If you're not sure of the pH level of your soil, you can purchase an inexpensive pH test kit at most nurseries or hardware stores. Set plants about 12 to 15 inches apart with the crown (top of the root) above the soil level and uppermost roots 1/4 inch below the soil level, spreading the roots out as you plant them. If the crowns are buried, they will rot, while plants set too high will dry out and die. Add a layer of mulch (sawdust, grass clippings or plastic sheeting) around the plants to prevent weeds from growing and to conserve moisture.


The gardening experts at bloomingbulb.com recommend mixing a complete plant food into the soil, then feeding again at mid-season. Water with an inch of water each week. Promote strong roots and plentiful berries by picking off the flowers for the first six weeks and trimming off any runners. Pull weeds by hand as needed, but avoid getting too close to the plants, since strawberry roots are shallow and easily damaged.


Strawberries grown in containers have the same needs as those planted in the ground. You can purchase specially designed strawberry pots, which come with rings of side holes; plants can be inserted in each hole.

Leave berries on the plant for a day or two after they reach peak red color before harvesting. The best way to know if they're ripe is to complete a taste test; as the berries tend to bruise easily, pull them gently from the plant.


In cold-weather zones, after the plants have finished producing their last crop for the season, allow them to become acclimated to the cooler fall temperatures. Before the temperature drops below 20 degrees Fahrenheit, usually by late November, add 2 to 3 inches of protective mulch; use weed-free straw, chopped cornstalks, hay, corncobs or bark chips. Avoid using tree leaves and grass clippings, since these types of mulch can mat down and smother the plants during the winter.


Potted plants can be brought indoors.


http://www.howtoplantstrawberries.com

When Should I Plant Strawberries

By Teo Spengler

Easy-to-grow strawberries are a good fit for the home garden and a delight all summer long. The plants do not take up much space, but they require full sun and well-drained soil. Gardeners putting in their first crop should purchase plants from a reliable nursery and store appropriately until early spring planting time.

Gardeners can choose from three different types of strawberries to plant in early spring. The most popular type, June-bearer, produces one crop of strawberries each year, ready to eat in June. The everbearing strawberry variety produce two crops, one in spring and one in late summer, with little action in between. Day-neutral strawberries are the new kid on the block--a new, improved version of the everbearing variety. They bear fruit from June through September.

The variety of berry determines the planting design. When spring arrives, gardeners should plant June-bearing strawberries at least 18 inches apart in evenly-spaced rows some 4 feet apart. Each plant produces runners which root daughter plants in a matted swath of plants. If you select everbearing or day-neutral varieties, plant them about a foot apart in rows that are also a foot apart. Both of these varieties produce better without daughter plants, so eliminate runners as they appear.

The optimal time to plant any type of strawberry is late March or April, after all chance of freezing weather is past. Before putting the plants in the soil, prune off older leaves, then soak the roots of the plants in water for one hour. The planting holes must be deep enough that the plant crown is even with the soil surface. Strawberry plants need water immediately after planting.

Some gardeners prefer to plant strawberries in the fall instead of spring. Strawberry plants set in the ground in autumn develop strong root systems before winter cold arrives. In spring, they can devote their energy to vigorous growth. However, winter frosts and subsequent thaws can cause ground heaving that injures strawberry plants.


http://www.howtoplantstrawberries.com

When Is It Too Late to Start Planting Strawberries

By Sarah Thomas

Timing for planting strawberries depends on your location and the type of strawberry being planted. Everbearing strawberries produce fruit two to three times within the growing season, in spring, summer and fall. June-bearing crops produce one crop per year that is fully ripened in June. Day neutral berries continuously produce berries throughout the growing season. Location also impacts strawberry crops, as it is best to plant crops after the last winter frost.

June bearing strawberries typically produce a larger fruit than everbearing and day neutral varieties. Spring is the best time to plant June bearing varieties, to give them enough growing season to reach their full potential. March and April are the best months in the majority of the United States, after the risk of frost has passed. Strawberries should be planted when the soil is not overly wet. It is best to plant berries on a day with little sun, or late in the afternoon, to protect the plants from the sun.


For a crop of June bearing strawberries in the same year planted, they must be planted no later than late spring. June bearing strawberries not planted until the summer will not produce fruit until the following year. Iowa State University suggests picking the blossoms off of June bearing strawberries the first year so that fruit does not develop until the second year, to improve future crops. As strawberries are perennial, they will continue to produce fruit each year.

Everbearing strawberries produce two to three crops during a growing seasons. Day neutral berries produce crops continuously throughout the season. As these varieties of strawberries continually produce fruit, they can be planted later in the season and still bear produce. When possible, it is best to plant everbearing and day neutral strawberries in late spring. March and April are best for planting, once the final frost has occurred in your particular location. In areas with mild winters, strawberries can be planted during the fall so that a springtime crop is produced. For the first six weeks after planting, blossoms should be removed to strengthen future crops, according to Iowa State University. Strawberries should be planted in soil that is not overly wet, and during late afternoon or on a cloudy day so that the plant is protected from the sun.


http://www.howtoplantstrawberries.com

When Is a Good Time to Plant Strawberries

By Alex Gardner

Strawberries are nutritious and versatile. A serving contains 149 percent of the recommended value of Vitamin C, and they can be eaten alone, added to salads or preserved to enjoy any time of year. Even if you do not like their taste, you can plant them as ground cover or edging plants.

The three main types of strawberries are June-bearing, everbearing and day-neutral. June-bearing varieties produce one crop that is generally ready to pick in June. Everbearing strawberries usually produce one crop in spring and one in late summer. Day-neutral strawberry varieties prefer the cooler months but, given the right conditions, bear fruit from June through September.

The best time to plant is generally in early spring, from late March to early April. Growers in colder climates should wait until the ground is workable and relatively dry, as strawberries do not root well in soil saturated with water.

After three to four years of fruit production, you should start new plants because the amount of fruit decreases within a few seasons, according to an Ohio State University Extension fact sheet.


http://www.howtoplantstrawberries.com

When Do You Plant Strawberries in Washington

By Beth Asher

Strawberries are home garden favorites grown for canning, freezing and eating out of hand. Backyard fruit growers can count on 4 to 5 years of productive fruiting if the plants are properly planted and maintained.

Strawberries are considered fruiting perennials. June-bearing plants are called single crop, while plants that have a second small crop in summer are called everbearing. Both can be planted at the same time.

Day neutral strawberries produce flower buds and fruit regardless of the day length. To get a good crop the first year, commercial growers at Raintree Nursery in Morton, Washington, recommend planting day neutral strawberries by April 15.

Bare root strawberries arrive in nurseries and garden centers from mid-January through March while still dormant. Flats of potted strawberries show up as the weather warms (April through early May).

Dormant bare root strawberries (called crowns) should be planted in late March through April. Temperatures at night should be above 25 degrees, according to Danny L. Barney, extension horticulture specialist at the University of Idaho.

Potted strawberry stock can be planted spring through early fall. May is often the time when containerized strawberries arrive in garden centers and is a preferred planting time, according to experts at the Washington State University Extension.


http://www.howtoplantstrawberries.com

When Can I Plant Strawberries

By Katherine Kally

Strawberries are a rewarding fruit to cultivate in a home garden. Each strawberry plant may produce up to one quart of fruit during the planting season, or during the following season. With proper care, strawberry plants return to produce fruit for up to four years, but the quantity of fruit production decreases each year.

June-bearers, Day-neutrals and Ever-bearers are the three main types of strawberry plants for home growth. June-bearers bear fruit once each spring during a two to three week time frame based on the variety: early, mid-season or late. Ever-bearing strawberries produce fruit twice during the spring, summer and fall. Day-neutral strawberry plants produce fruit continuously during the late spring. Day-neutral cultivars prefer cooler temperatures, ever-bearers make good ground covers and June-bearers do well in a variety of conditions.

Alpine strawberries grow well from seeds. Alpine seeds require cold-treatment prior to planting, which simulates a winter season. Place the seeds in a closed jar or bag and leave them in the freezer for up to four weeks. Allow the seeds to return to room temperature before planting them in seed containers. Place a 1/2-inch deep layer of a 75-25 mixture of peat moss and organic soil into each seed tray compartment. Water the soil in the seed trays, and sprinkle the strawberry seeds on top. Cover the seeds with a light layer of peat moss. Place the trays in direct sunlight; keep the seeds moist for two to three weeks, until germination. Plant the strawberry plants in the garden during the spring or in containers after the plants sprout the third true leaves.

Plant strawberry plants in the garden in the spring as soon as the soil is dry and workable. You can also plant strawberries in the late fall for fruit the following year. Strawberries prefer full sun and sandy soil with good drainage. Plant strawberries in elevated rows spaced between 36 and 48 inches apart. Set the plants between 15 and 24 inches apart along each row. If tomatoes, strawberries, potatoes, peppers and other soil-disease prone plants were previously planted in your garden, wait two to three years after these plants have been removed before planting strawberries.

Maintain a weed free space around strawberry plants in your garden, especially during the first planting season. Pinch off the first flowers as soon as they appear to promote vigorous growth. Strawberries need a minimum of 1 to 1-1/2 inches of water each week. Fertilize the soil around strawberry plants with 12-12-12 as the plants begin to grow; avoid applying fertilizer directly to the strawberry plants. Apply another application of 12-12-12 fertilizer during August or September. Mulch strawberry plants during December with a 2-inch layer of straw or bark chips, but remove the mulch in the spring when the first leaves develop.


http://www.howtoplantstrawberries.com

What Strawberries Can I Plant & Harvest the Same Year

By Nan Gellings

Strawberries aren't just for springtime enjoyment anymore. Since the 1980s, a new variety of berries known as day-neutrals (producing fruit in both long and short daylight) have extended the strawberry season to five months. This variety is typically grown as an annual -- planted and harvested the same year. Day-neutrals can be grown in less space than traditional June-bearing plants since they send out few runners. Cultivars produce fruit in temperatures ranging from 35 to 85 degrees Fahrenheit, much to the delight of the strawberry lover and producer alike.

The Tribute strawberry is a day-neutral cultivar with heavy yields. Tribute plants bear a plentiful crop of flavorful medium to large, dark red berries. The berries are as aromatic as they are flavorful. The plants grow just 6 inches tall with excellent resistance to disease. It is a dependable choice over a long productive season in hardiness zones 3 to 10.

Tristar strawberries are packed with flavor in medium to small fruits. They grow well in small spaces such as hanging baskets and in patio planters. Tristar's fruit is firm and tolerant of leaf spot and leaf scorch and resistant to red stele and verticillium wilt.


Plants produce fruit in just three months and continue right up until frost. Tristar is an all-around adaptable strawberry hardy to zone 2, when covered in winter.

Seascape strawberries were developed by the University of California in 1991. Seascape is prized for its high yields of firm, medium to large fruit, in August and September. The berries are flavorful with an attractive glossy finish and an intense, sometimes overpowering, aroma. They are susceptible to two-spotted spider mite and powdery mildew. Ripe fruit is easily damaged by rain. Seascape plants grow 10 to 12 inches tall in hardiness zones 4 to 9.

Albion strawberry is a 2004 University of Davis California variety. With its deep red color and flavor to match, it is probably the most consumer-friendly berry that has ever been produced by the university, according to an article by the California Farm Bureau Federation. Growers can leave the berries in the field several days longer to raise the sugar level because they ship extremely well. Albion strawberry plant is known for its large to very large, sweet, firm conical fruit. It is resistant to a number of diseases and hardy from zones 3 to 9. In 2010 Albion was the most popular strawberry variety grown in California.


http://www.howtoplantstrawberries.com

What Should I Plant My Strawberries In

By Jenny Harrington

You don't need a large garden bed to grow and enjoy your own strawberries. You can plant strawberries in a variety of containers so they take up little space. The best container for strawberries depends on the space you have available and how productive you want the plants to become. The right container can even help you combat some pest problems in the strawberry bed.

Made of clay or plastic, a strawberry pot has openings around the sides as well as at the top. Clay pots dry out more quickly than plastic, which can be a concern during the hottest days of summer. Most strawberry pots stand about 2 feet tall and have between six and eight planting holes in the sides. Grow a single strawberry plant in each of the side pockets and two to three plants on the top. Strawberry plants work well if you have limited space for planters. The pots may require additional water, particularly in the pockets, to ensure all plants receive the necessary moisture.

Strawberries also grow well in window boxes, though the narrow design of these boxes limits the amount of plants you can grow. Plant the strawberries in a single row down the center of the box, spacing the plants no closer than 6 inches apart. The light reflecting off window glass tends to cause the soil in window boxes to heat up quickly, so they usually necessitate more frequent watering.

A variety of pots and planters work well for strawberries. Grow multiple plants in half-barrel, 5-gallon or larger pots. Space the plants 6- to 8-inches apart and remove any runners that form on the plants to prevent overcrowding. Use planters that are at least 10 inches deep to ensure the plants have the necessary soil depth to spread their roots. If birds and pests are a problem in your garden, a planter can be covered with chicken wire to keep the pests from raiding your berries.

Plant strawberries in hanging baskets if you have limited space. The baskets take up no ground space and they can be grown indoors in a sunny window if you have no outdoor growing space available. Due to the limited room in most baskets, plants may not be as productive as they would be in other types of containers. Use a plastic basket when possible, as moss-lined baskets dry out very quickly and often require watering two times a day or more during hot weather.


http://www.howtoplantstrawberries.com

What Do You Plant Strawberries In

By Jane Smith

As long as they have well-drained, sandy, acidic soil with plenty of organic matter, strawberries will grow in almost any bed or container you choose. Let your space and production needs dictate whether you choose regular or raised beds or containers. Home gardeners who want fresh fruit in season do not need as much space as those who can, freeze or dehydrate their berries. Anyone who sells or serves fresh strawberries must protect the fruit from contamination.

Plastic, cloth and paper bags will all hold strawberry plants. Buy precut grow bags or cut a few drain holes in the bottom of heavy-duty plastic bags and make x-shaped slits in the sides. Tuck strawberry plants into the openings and the top after you fill them with low-loam compost mix to save weight. (see References 1) Strawberries grow well for two years in plastic grow bags, according to Wisley Garden fruit department superintendent, Jim Arbury, of the Royal Horticultural Society. (see References 1A)


Fill cloth or paper bags with potting mix and arrange them in a shallow tray. Paper grocery bags with the sides folded halfway down will hold two to three plants, while coffee sacks with slits in the sides might hold ten or more plants. Paper and cloth grow bags transfer to regular garden beds and will biodegrade, while plastic ones can be difficult to recycle.

A whiskey barrel's rustic appearance makes it a pleasing addition to a patio or a country-style backyard. Form wire mesh into a tube, place it in the center of the barrel and fill the mesh tube with coarse bark or other mulch to create a soil wick, which ensures that water reaches the lowest plants in the holes of the barrel, advises retired professor and Texas Cooperative Extension horticulture specialist Jerry Parsons on his website. Whole whiskey barrels hold 15 to 20 plants, while half-barrels will support at least 10 plants if you drill 2-inch diameter holes in a staggered pattern around the entire barrel. Stuff plants into the holes and fill the barrel with potting soil or worm castings and sand.

Any cardboard box will hold three or more strawberry plants. Like cloth and paper bags, cardboard boxes will biodegrade by the end of each season. Provide a support tray for larger boxes, as the bottoms will collapse when you move them.


Stack two 30-gallon storage containers to create a self-watering strawberry planter, advises R.J. Ruppenthal, author of "Fresh Food From Small Spaces." Plant as many containers as you have room on your patio or balcony. One strawberry plant yields one pint of berries if you keep them in full sunlight and fertilize them every seven to 10 days.

Use a nine-plant pattern when planting strawberry beds, with three "mother" plants down the center and two "daughter" plants to their left and right. The nine-plant pattern ensures that the strongest runners provide next season's fruit. Protect the fruit from contamination by covering the beds with plastic. Slit the plastic to transplant seedlings after all danger of frost has passed.


http://www.howtoplantstrawberries.com

What Can I Plant With Strawberries

By Deb Powers

Luscious strawberries, ripe, red and fresh from the garden, are one of summer's true treasures. The vegetables, fruits and herbs you plant near and around your strawberry plants may help increase your yield, keep pests away from the vines and improve the flavor of the berries. Companion planting, sometimes called diversity planting, has little support in research, says Kelle Carter in a 2006 article for "The Cutting Edge" newsletter, but strong anecdotal evidence suggests many benefits to choosing your plants' neighbors wisely. Strawberries have particular tastes in close companions.

Strawberries and greens go together on the plate and in the garden. Spinach and strawberries grow well side-by-side because they each take different nutrients from the soil. The strawberry's foliage provides natural shade for spinach's delicate leaves. Spinach and lettuce draw a lot of nitrogen from the soil, creating more favorable conditions for fruit on the berries. When the soil is high in nitrogen, strawberries grow lush foliage and few berries.

Borage, commonly called starflower, will attract bees to help pollinate your strawberries so that they set fruit. The bright blue flowers add visual appeal to your garden, and the plant itself helps replenish trace minerals in the soil, such as potassium. Your strawberries will also benefit from a boost in disease and insect resistance, thanks to the borage. A border of thyme around the strawberry patch will help keep away worms while attracting pollinators.

Strawberries grow happily among legumes such as bush beans and peas. Experts seem divided on whether strawberries get along with onions, chives and garlic. OregonLive's Vern Nelson suggests planting strawberries alongside chives, peas and radishes, while the staff at Gold Mountain Herb Farm warns against planting chives and garlic near strawberries.

Shade-loving varieties of strawberry do well as a ground cover planted around pear, apple and peach trees.

Avoid planting strawberries near cruciferous vegetables such as cabbage, broccoli and Brussels sprouts, suggests the staff at Ed Hume Seeds, while the staff at Gold Mountain Herb Farm warns that strawberries don't get along well with chives, garlic or rosemary.


http://www.howtoplantstrawberries.com

Unique Ways to Plant Strawberries

By Crystal Smith



Strawberry plants require five to six hours of full sunlight, good soil and water to grow and produce fruit. With such a small list of requirements, it's easy to experiment with containers and places to grow your fruit that not only keep your plants happy, but also look exciting and fresh.

The old-fashioned strawberry barrel is simple to make and can hold a large number of plants, depending on the size. Any barrel or large cylindrical container will do, such as a keg, steel drum or large plastic garbage can. Punch some holes in the bottom of the container for drainage. Create small holes along the side of the barrel in rows, for the strawberry plants to grow out of, about 2 to 4 inches in diameter each. Cover the bottom of the container with stones, then a layer of soil reaching up to the first row of holes. Tuck in your plants, letting the leaves and crown stay outside of the barrel, and the roots inside. Add more soil and repeat the process at the next level of holes.

Rather than planting your strawberries straight into the ground, use wooden boxes. Whether elevated to avoid ground frost, or built to hook over a balcony, strawberries in a window box can brighten up the view. Make sure there is good drainage, such as small holes in the bottom of the box. Smaller, more portable boxes can be moved into sheltered areas during the winter and prolong the life of your plants.

Old garden equipment gets second life as a strawberry planter. The only tricky part is creating drainage so that the plants don't sit in water; however, a few holes drilled in the bottom of the container can fix that. Wheelbarrows never look out of place in a garden setting, especially full of blooming strawberry plants. Watering cans, even those with small openings, are also implemented to grow strawberries, and placed throughout your garden.

Growing strawberries upside down may seem topsy-turvy at first, but actually has interesting benefits besides being aesthetically interesting. Use a bucket or plastic container, and cut a small 2- to 4-inch hole in the bottom. If the container is large, you may be able to cut a few holes in the bottom. Tuck in the roots of the strawberry plant into the hole, securing it in place by packing newspaper strips around the hole to stop it from falling out. Fill the bucket with soil, and hang. Water your plants from the open top of the container and let gravity do its work.


http://www.howtoplantstrawberries.com

Tips on Planting Strawberries

By Arnold Anderson

Growing strawberries at home is not only a way to save money on fresh fruit, but it can also be a fun family project in which everyone can get involved. When the whole family takes the time to learn the best ways to plant and grow strawberries as well as the best way to maintain a strawberry plant for many years, it can become something that the family can look forward to for many years. Decide what kind of strawberry plants you want to grow, and then get your green thumb in gear.

There are three main varieties of strawberry plants; June bearing strawberry plants, everbearing plants and day neutral plants. June bearing plants yield the largest harvest and will offer ripe fruit once late in the spring right around the beginning of June. Everbearing plants offer a slightly smaller fruit and a smaller harvest but they ripen twice a year; once in the spring and once in the fall. Day neutral plants offer the smallest harvest and the smallest fruit but they have the ability to ripen almost any time of year. Choose the plant that you feel would give you the results you are looking for.

Mulch is extremely important to not only growing strawberries, but also for helping to salvage the strawberries during the winter months. Put down plenty of mulch when planting your strawberries to help regulate the soil temperature, and also to help maintain the soil moisture to prevent it from becoming too moist. Mulch can also be used as a covering for your plants in the winter to protect them from the cold and the frost.

Some people are looking for a large harvest of many berries, and other people would sacrifice the number of berries if their harvest gives them the opportunity to grow bigger berries. A strawberry plant is much like a vine. If it is allowed to grow for the duration of its planting cycle, then it will grow indefinitely and continue to sprout more fruit. However, if you clip your strawberry vine at the mid-point of the growing season, the vine will cease to give fruit but it will make the berries currently on the vine much larger.


http://www.howtoplantstrawberries.com

The Best Way to Plant Strawberries

Strawberries are a bit more complex than they may appear. There are several different types of strawberries, as well as several different ways to plant them. Once you familiarize yourself with the different types of and methods for planting strawberries, you can choose what works best for you.

There are three main types of strawberries: June-bearing strawberries, ever-bearing strawberries, and day-neutral strawberries.


June-bearing strawberries only produce fruit once a year. They consist of a mother plant that sends out runners that take root in the ground and grow into rows. The first year, they require that all their blossoms be plucked in order to start growing fruit. They are a bit more high-maintenance than other forms of strawberries.


Ever-bearing strawberries are deceptively named. They do not in fact produce berries all year round, but at two different times during the year, in the spring and in the autumn. They also require having their blossoms plucked regularly in order to produce berries.


Day-neutral strawberries produce berries throughout the growing season. Their blossoms only need too be plucked once, and after that they will produce berries all summer.

Strawberries are not usually grown from seed. Buy small plants for transplanting at a nursery. You can buy them at any time of the year, although some recommend buying plants at the end of the season to capitalize on end-of-season deals. In any case, the best time to actually plant strawberries is in April, and you can find them for sale at that time as well.


Find the sunniest place possible to plant strawberries. You can plant them in the ground, in a pot, or in a hanging basket. Strawberries do not handle competition from weeds, trees, or bushes very well. For this reason, using a pot or a hanging basket might be a good idea. Strawberries also have a bad reaction to verticillium wilt, a substance harbored in peppers, tomatoes, eggplant and potatoes, so grow them far away from these plants.


If you do choose to grow your strawberries in the ground, dig in composted manure and other organic material first. Also, in saltier environments, saturate the top 6 inches with water and allow it to drain, then add peat or garden compost instead of manure. If you're going to plant the strawberries in rows, raise the rows 8 inches off the ground. Make the rows 20 to 30 inches wide. Plant the strawberries 12 to 18 inches apart. Leave an 18 inch path between rows for weeding.


If you choose to plant strawberries in a pot, use 2 parts soil, 1 part sand and 1 part of peat moss, well-rotted manure, or compost as the planting medium. Use a pot at least 16 inches tall. It is a good idea to make a watering tube for the pot. Simply cut a piece of PVC pipe so that one end will be flush with the pot's top when sat vertically. Then drill 1/8 inch holes along the pipe's sides. Cap the pipe on one end. Partially fill the pot and place the pipe in the center with the capped end down. Loosely fill the rest of the pot with soil and plant your strawberries around the perimeter of the pot.


If you are planting in a hanging basket, buy a 16-inch wire basket. Line it with damp sphagnum moss or coconut fiber or buy an artificial basket liner. Place 18 plants into the sides, either through the moss or through 3-inch holes in the liner.


http://www.howtoplantstrawberries.com

The Best Time to Transplant Strawberry Plants

By Dena Kane

Strawberry plants, known botanically as Fragaria, are fruiting perennials with a trailing and clumping growth habit. They produce white blooms and deep red fruits on medium to dark green slightly furry foliage. Different strawberry varietals fruit at specified times during the season, including early season, mid-season, late season and ever-bearing, which fruit continuously from mid-spring through summer. Strawberries are generally hardy in USDA Zones 3a through 9b.

Strawberry plants are best transplanted in the early spring after the last threat of frost has passed and daily temperatures are above 45 to 50 degrees F. Although strawberries are hardy at lower temperatures, waiting until you have these more mild conditions will greatly reduce the stress on the plants and newly forming roots and will speed the plant's development.

Strawberries love full sun exposures but will still thrive and fruit in partial shade. They require a consistently moist but never constantly wet soil that is well drained and has good nutrient level. Strawberries prefer an acidic to slightly acidic soil ranging from 5.7 to 6.5 pH. If need be, amend your soil to raise its acidity by tilling in sphagnum peat moss or gypsum. Place the plant in a hole with the soil surrounding the root ball, but never place soil over the center or crown of the plant. Strawberries can be fertilized once or twice per month with a water-soluble balanced fertilizer applied according to directions for a light dose. They are relatively low-growing plants reaching only 6 inches in height at maturity but have a much larger spread up to 14 inches, depending on the varietal. Do not to crowd the plants, and allow an ample interval between plants for good sun penetration into the crown and air flow.

Strawberry fruits can be harvested throughout the season as they ripen, being either pulled gently or cut from the thin, green stem. To increase the health of the plants over the long term, pinch off all of the blooms the first season they appear, which will delay fruiting but will result in a more robust and therefore heavier fruiting plant in the second season. Remove any dead, diseased or damaged foliage and stems with shears throughout the season as you notice them.


http://www.howtoplantstrawberries.com

The Best Time to Plant StrawberriesThe Best Time to Plant Strawberries

By Kimberly Sharpe

Three types of strawberry plants exist: June-bearers which produce one berry crop in June, ever-bearers which produce two crops, and day-neutral which produce non-stop from June until fall if the weather is relatively cool. Begin planting strawberry plants when the soil can be worked with ease in the spring.

Plant strawberry plants in late March and April, according to Iowa State University's website. Strawberry plants that have been refrigerated and kept cool can be planted as late as June. Planting strawberry plants late in the season will cause them to have a poor crop the first year.

Remove all old or dead leaves prior to planting the strawberry plant. The plant should retain two or three healthy leaves. Spread the roots of the plant out in the soil. Plant the strawberry plant shallow so that only the root system is covered with soil, according to the University of Wisconsin's website.

Keep the newly planted strawberry plants moist. They will require at least 1 inch of irrigation or rainfall per week to grow an ample crop of berries. The flowers of newly planted strawberry plants can sustain damage if the temperature plummets to below 32 degrees Fahrenheit, which will result in a poor berry crop, according to the University of Florida's website. Cover new plants if a freeze is expected.


http://www.howtoplantstrawberries.com

The Best Time to Plant Strawberries in Arkansas

By Carrie Terry

Strawberries, unlike many other fruits, grow on plants close along the ground, and put out their own runners for propagation. In Arkansas, strawberry plantings are split into two seasons.

Many commercial growers plant their strawberries in the fall, to allow the plants to take root and establish over the winter for early spring blooming. When planting in fall, it's important to cover the strawberries with organic or plastic mulch to protect them through the winter.

Most home gardeners choose to plant strawberries in the spring instead, for a more natural growing season. Spring plantings in Arkansas take place mid-April, when the ground has thawed to 55 to 60 degrees Fahrenheit, and is welcoming to young strawberry plants.

Strawberries require plots that receive full sunshine all day, every day, to take advantage of the lush Arkansas warmth. The plants cannot tolerate crowding or wet feet, so in swampy areas of Arkansas, it's important to raise the beds or mix natural soil with plenty of quick-draining soil and compost.


http://www.howtoplantstrawberries.com

The Best Strawberries to Plant in Zone 9

By Shawna Kennedy



Strawberries are a small berry-producing plant commonly grown throughout the United States. Catalogs and garden supply stores sell them as bare root plants. Strawberry plants need at least 6 hours of sun a day and reproduce via long runners. White flowers precede the red fruit. U.S. Department of Agriculture hardiness zone 9 covers much of California, Florida and parts of Texas and Oregon, where strawberries are grown.

'Seascape' strawberries are day-neutral strawberry, which means it bears fruit no matter the length of day. California commercial strawberry growers often grow 'Seascape,' as strawberries grow in that state 12 months out of the year, according to the California Strawberry Advisory Board. Although 'Seascape' is an ever-bearing strawberry, harvests are more abundant in late spring. 'Seascape' has an excellent flavor, a good conical shape and high production rate. This strawberry is resistant to most diseases except leaf spot.

Florida and California producers are the primary growers of 'Oso Grande,' which is ideal for warm climates. This strawberry produces high yields of a large, cone-shaped berry. The 'Oso Grande' berry is firm with a good flavor suitable for eating fresh or processing. The plant produces a good number of runners, which will produce new strawberry plants.

'Chandler' is the most widely commercially grown strawberry in California, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture. This strawberry has consistent high yields with a firm berry that ripens in late March and early April.

Breeders developed 'Sweet Charlie' specifically for the hot and humid growing conditions found in Florida. It is resistant to anthracnose, a fungal disease common in Florida. This wedged-shaped berry ripens early in the season, from December through February, according to the University of Florida.

The most common commercially grown strawberry in Oregon's climate is 'Totem,' according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture. These berries are smaller than most commercial berries but have a rich flavor and a texture that makes them suitable for processing.


http://www.howtoplantstrawberries.com

The Best Strawberries to Plant in Tennessee

By Irum Sarfaraz



Strawberries are gaining popularity as a crop in nearly all regions of Tennessee. The total production of strawberries in the state in 2003 was valued at nearly $10 million and the acreage allotted to the fruits has steadily seen an increase in the past decade. The only drawback to growing strawberries in Tennessee are the heavy and frequent rainfalls and extreme cold during peak bloom time which consequently affects strawberry yields. The best strawberry varieties for the state include the cold hardy and the ones that are resistant to water-borne diseases.

Allstar is among the most popular strawberry types grown in Tennessee. Allstar strawberries are ready for harvest during early summer in June and the fruit is almost as large as plums. The strawberries are firm, extra juicy and bright red in color. Allstar is particularly suited to Tennessee weather due to its high resistance to frost. The June bearing strawberry plants such as Allstar produce a single large crop once a year during a two to three week period. When Allstar plants start to get blooms while the plants are still in the process of getting established, it is recommended to pinch off the early blooms as this leads to more prolific fruit crop the next year.

Earliglow strawberry variety is a recommended variety for Tennessee. The variety is well suited to the unpredictable rain patterns of Tennessee and is highly resistant to root rot, verticillium wilt and red steele. Earliglow is a favorite variety used for canning and plants produce high yields of sweet, flavorful, deep red fruit of uniform, conical shape. Earliglow is a June bearing variety that adapts to the climatic conditions in the mid-Atlantic, northeast and Midwest. Earliglow is hardy to temperatures of -10 degrees F and reaches a mature height of 8 to 10 inches. The strawberry plants are self-pollinating and the flowers bloom in May.

Cardinal is a recommended strawberry variety for Tennessee. The variety was developed by J.N. Moore, H.L. Bowden and W.A. Sistrunk of the Arkansas Agricultural Experimental Station. The fruit is glossy red, firm, large sized and is very good for freezing or eating fresh. Cardinal strawberries perform well in Tennessee and the south central states around Arkansas and the eastern states of North Carolina and Maryland. Cardinal strawberries are a June-bearing variety and the plants are vigorous and highly resistant to powdery mildew, leaf spot and leaf scorch. Cardinal plants have high yields and optimal shipping qualities which make it a very good variety for the pick-your-own farms.


http://www.howtoplantstrawberries.com

The Best Strawberries to Plant in Indiana

By Irum Sarfaraz



The climate in Indiana supports the growth of strawberries throughout the state. The fruit is easy to grow and is the most popular small fruit in the home garden. It takes minimal care to produce good quality strawberries of different varieties in Indiana. According to the Purdue University Extension site, 25 strawberry plants can produce 25 to 50 quarts of fruit between late spring and midsummer depending upon the specific region of the state. The three types of strawberries include dayneutrals, everbearers and Junebearers.

June-bearing strawberries are further classified into early, midseason and late fruit varieties. The plants produce flowers, fruits and runners and the strawberries are ready for harvest during at the end of spring. The Purdue University Cooperative Extension recommends a number of excellent Junebearer varieties for Indiana. These include earliglow, Annapolis and delmarvel. The midseason Junebearers for Indiana include Honeoye, redchief, guardian and surecrop. A consistent producer of large strawberries among the late season Junebearers include allstar and jewel.

Dayneutral strawberry plants produce fruit all through the growing season. These plants produce very few runners and are most suited for gardens with limited space. Dayneutral plants are often used as a ground cover and bedding plants. Suggested dayneutral strawberry types as indicated by the Purdue University Cooperative Extension site include tribute and tristar. Dayneutral strawberries do best during the cooler weather in Indiana and need to be protected during the summer heat.

Everbearing strawberry plants produce two to three harvests of fruit every year, including a harvest during fall. The plants are easy to grow and are well suited for small areas. Everbearing strawberry plants grow to a mature height of 8 to 12 inches and do not produce any runners. The best everbearing varieties for Indiana as recommended by the Purdue University Extension site include Ozark beauty, Fort Laramie and the promising new release Quinault.


http://www.howtoplantstrawberries.com

The Best Place to Plant Strawberries

By Tom Ross



June-bearing strawberries produce a bountiful harvest of large, sweet, high-quality berries for a two to three week period around June after the first year of planting. Everbearing strawberries produce in spring and late summer the first year of planting. Day neutral berries also produce the first year and bear from June to September, if the weather is not too hot. June-bearing strawberry production and quality is superior to that of everbearing and day neutral.

The best place to plant strawberries is based on the space you have available and the quality and amount of strawberries you want. Choose from the following varieties based upon your needs. June-bearing strawberries require a larger garden plot because plants are set 18 to 24 inches from each other, in rows that are spaced 3 to 4 feet apart. June-bearing strawberries send out runners that root quickly, creating a dense planting. In the popular matted row system, these daughter plants are allowed to form a row no more than 2 feet wide by removing any excess runners. Everbearing and day neutral varieties are better suited for small plots or even planters. They bear throughout the season and produce fewer runners, which you remove as they develop, requiring less growing area for the plant.

Once you choose a strawberry type, the right soil must be located. Strawberries need a loose, well-draining soil. Strawberries develop root, leaf and fruit diseases in soils that remain wet. Soil amended with manure or organic matter produces the best growing conditions, according to the University of Illinois Extension. Avoid planting strawberry plots in areas where potatoes, strawberries, eggplants, tomatoes and peppers have grown in the last three years, due to the risk of root diseases. Planting a strawberry plot in ground that has not been previously cultivated is ideal.


Strawberry plots should not be located where are perennial weeds are present, advises Iowa State University Horticulture and Home Pest News. Weeds are hard to control in a dense strawberry plot.

A location with a gentle slope higher than the ground around offers many advantages, because cold air settles to the lowest elevation, sparing the plants the worst of fall frosts. Additionally, strawberries planted on a southern exposure slope ripen a few days earlier than those planted on a northern exposure. Strawberries do best when they are sheltered from the wind by a natural windbreak or a home or building. Strawberries require full sunlight with as little shade as possible for prolific growth. Plant all varieties of strawberries where they will receive at least 8 hours of sunlight per day. Strawberries produce best when grown in U.S. Department of Agriculture hardiness zones 3 to 9, according to the University of Illinois Extension Hortanswers.


http://www.howtoplantstrawberries.com

The Best Months to Plant Strawberries

By Shawna Kennedy



Strawberries are one of the easiest fruiting plants to grow. This ground cover grows in every state. These plants send out long runners that root and produce new plants. Strawberry plants need at least 6 hours of sunlight daily and well-drained, moist soil. June-bearing strawberries produce large fruit in June and many runners. Ever-bearing strawberries have smaller fruit with fewer runners. Day-neutral berries flower and bear fruit throughout the growing season.

In warmer climates, the best time to plant strawberries is October and November. Your plants will have plenty of time to acclimate to the garden and will be ready to produce early in the spring. Strawberry varieties that thrive in warm climates include Chandler, Sweet Charlie and Camorosa. Keep the crown above the soil but the roots covered for a healthy strawberry plant, according to the University of Florida.

In cool climates, or climates with freezing temperatures, plant strawberries after the ground has thawed. This usually occurs in late March, April or early May. Always plant your strawberries in the early morning or late afternoon on a cloudy day to assure they will have time to acclimate to their new location before the heat of the day. Varieties ideal for cooler climates include Earliglow, Jewel, Ozark Beauty and Tristar according to the University of Illinois.

If you live in a tropical or subtropical climate, you can plant strawberries any month of the year. Pinch back the first round of flowers to allow your strawberry plant to concentrate on good root formation. Strawberries can also be grown indoors. Choose ever-bearing and day-neutral strawberries for indoor growing. Use a specialized strawberry container or a simple pot for your strawberries.


http://www.howtoplantstrawberries.com

Spacing for Planting Strawberries

By Samantha Volz

Growing strawberries in your home garden opens a realm of possibilities for fresh desserts, jellies, milkshakes and fruit on the table every day of the summer and fall. Strawberries don't take up a lot of space in the garden, making them ideal for small homes and landscapes. However, if you plant multiple strawberry plants, you must space them properly to ensure proper growth.

Space strawberry plants growing in a row 18 to 24 inches apart. This spacing ensures that the roots of the plants will not entangle with each other and that each plant has enough space to get adequate water and food from the soil without competing with the other strawberries. This is also an optimal amount of space to make sure that the strawberry plants are not confined; if the plants run into an obstacle during growth, they will grow shorter and weaker.

If you plant multiple rows of strawberries, space the rows two to three feet apart. As well as providing optimal room for roots, growth and reduced competition for resources, widely spaced rows allow you room to walk among your strawberries without pushing or stepping on any of the plants. This is important for watering, fertilizing, pruning and eventually harvesting the plants without damage.

Aside from the spacing of the plants, the depth that you plant your strawberries is crucial to healthy growth. When you bury the strawberry plants in soil, dig a hole twice the width of the root system. Insert the plant so that the crown, which is the central stem that separates the roots from the main plant, sits centered at the soil line. Bury the roots and the bottom half of the crown with firmed soil and water the area well so that the roots have enough water to establish themselves.

Aside from competition and stunted growth, there are other danger factors with improperly planted strawberries. Plants spaced too closely together are more likely to suffer from rot or fungus because air cannot circulate among the plants to dry off the foliage and remove soil from the leaves. Taller plants set too close to shorter plants can also block out much-needed sunlight. Crowns planted too deep in the soil can rot from excess water, while those planted fully above the soil line will dry out from sun and wind exposure.


http://www.howtoplantstrawberries.com