How to grow strawberries: Great tips

Strawberries like rich, loamy soil that drains well. Start with what you have and add plenty of organic matter (such as compost, shredded bark or peat moss) as well as some sand or grit. Most potting soil mixes sold at nurseries will be sufficient. Ensure that the soil is free of weed roots and that the container has drainage holes in the bottom.

Tip: If growing in a hanging basket, line the basket with sphagnum moss before putting soil to retain moisture for the plants. Sphagnum moss will also allow for the plant to grow out the sides of the pot, which looks nice.

The best soil for growing strawberries

Strawberry plants grow best in well-drained soil rich in organic matter. A week before transplanting, work in a few inches of organic compost. Strawberries prefer slightly acidic soil with a pH between 5.5 and 6.5.

When growing strawberries in containers, use good-quality potting soil mixed with organic compost. Try this easy DIY potting soil recipe.

The most effective fertilizer for strawberries

There are three main nutrients in plant fertilizers: nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P) and potassium (K). Nitrogen promotes leaf growth, phosphorus supports a healthy root system, and potassium promotes fruiting and flowering.

When transplanting strawberries in your home garden or container, add a tablespoon of all-purpose organic fertilizer to the bottom of the hole.

Once your plants start blooming, switch to fertilizers that are higher in phosphorus and potassium to boost fruit production in early summer. For best results, fertilize your plants monthly.

Harvest strawberries

At harvest time, it’s important to know what variety of strawberries you have. Some varieties produce throughout the season, while others only bear fruit at specific times.

The evergreen strawberries will bear two or three kinds of fruit this season. Look forward to harvesting your first harvest from your permanents in late spring and early summer, a second harvest in midsummer in cool climates, and a final harvest in late summer to early fall.

Day neutral strawberries bear fruit throughout the growing season. Some gardeners recommend pinching off new buds of day-neutral strains within a few weeks of transplanting to encourage the plant to focus its energy on growth. Once it has approximately doubled in size, allow the bud to mature.

Strawberries in June have high fruit yields in late spring to early summer. The June varieties set buds the previous fall, with flowers blooming in early spring and harvesting in June.