Strawberry Garden Guide

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Strawberry

Strawberry Stat Summary

Plant Spacing: 12" (304 mm)
Row Spacing: 24-36" (609-914 mm)
Planting Depth: 1/2" (12 mm)
Plants Per Person: 3
Soil Temperature: 65-75°F (18-24°C)
Days to Emergence: 14-21
Recommended Soil PH: 5.8-6.2
Earliest Outdoor Planting: Before Last Frost
Tick Can direct seed outdoors
Tick Can seed indoors

Planting Strawberry

Prefer fertile, well drained sandy loam soil in full sun with a pH from 5.8 to 6.2. Prepare ground by turning in a layer of compost before planting. Direct sow indoors in a seed tray containing a 1/2 inch deep mixture of 3/4 peat moss and 1/4 organic rich soil. Sprinkle the seeds over the damp soil mixture and completely cover with a light dusting of peat moss over the top. Keep the seeds moist and in direct sunlight.

Once the strawberry seedlings have their 3rd true leaves, transplant into bigger containers or directly into the garden. To transplant strawberry seedlings (either grown or purchased) dig the hole deep enough so that the transplant roots can be straight, not bent when covered with soil. Fill the hole with loose soil, keeping the upper crown bud at or slightly above the soil line; the plants will die if the crown is completely covered. Space seedlings 1 foot apart in rows 2 to 3 feet apart.

Growing Strawberry

Pinch off the runners to keep the original plants productive. Water regularly; drip irrigation works best. In fall and again in early spring, work in a rich compost or an organic fertilizer around established plants.

Harvesting and Storing Strawberry

Strawberries are their sweetest when left on the plant for a day or two after they are fully colored. Strawberries bruise easily. Be gentle when pulling them from the plants. Snap the stem directly above the berry rather than pulling on the berry itself. Look for ripe fruits in the morning every day, when they are cool, and refrigerate immediately. Wash in cool water just before eating.

Keep harvested berries in a cool, shady location.

Strawberry Insect and Disease Information

Root weevils, aphids and slugs are the main problems. Help control by keeping weeds out, crop rotation every 4 years and good fall cleanup of plant debris. Strawberries are prone to diseases caused by overly moist soil conditions and overcrowding. Soil must be kept loose and well drained, plants must be properly spaced.

Strawberry Yield Information

No yield information for Strawberry.