Would you want to know How You Grow Strawberries for Beginners? Based on my experience, I started my first patch years ago, which was fantastic! I grew fifty plants and had gallons of strawberries the following May.
Unfortunately, we moved that next winter and the tenants chose to mow over the patch, which perished. I have had the worst difficulty ever since finding a suitable patch again!
Not because of my planting methods, I can guarantee you.
After this post, I’ll review everything that may go wrong so you might be alert and avoid repeating my blunders!
ALSO READ – Do Alpine Strawberry Seeds Need To Be Frozen
Now, let’s get started.
What Is The Beginner’s Guide To Planting Strawberries
Start by requesting strawberries from any garden location you choose.
This is because, compared to buying previously grown plants from a garden center or big box shop, you may purchase a lot of dormant plants for far less money.
I always ordered from Gurnees, but their costs were hike this spring, so I bought my plants from Burgess. Usually, a package will provide you with 25 plants.
Just to let you know how much of a patch would be required, keep in mind strawberries spread! Most individuals will find 50 plants to be a reasonable-sized patch that will yield gallons of strawberries.
I planted 100 plants this time as Jeff and the children adore strawberries, and I want plenty to make jam. Five feet by twenty-five feet makes my strawberry patch.
ALSO READ – Do Alpine Strawberries Come Back Every Year
What You Need To Grow Strawberries As Beginners
You will also need lots of room or a few containers whether you are planting in your yard or a container, as some Strawberry plants prefer to spread out.
For every plant, budget around eighteen inches. Clipping some of the runners may help you slow down the spread; nevertheless, you should be cautious not to remove too many, as it will reduce your crop.
Growing strawberries in higher temps is best; ideally, 60°–80°F. You might be able to produce strawberries all year long if you reside in a warmer environment.
If your mid-summer temperatures rise, consider using a shade cloth portion of the day to prevent the flowers from scorching and drying out.
You can cover the developing bed with straw to guard the leaves further. When using a straw, let it dry up before watering once more.
Sun:
As said before, strawberries adore sunshine. A lot of it! You will want to locate the sunniest area in your yard at more pleasant temps of up to 80°F.
Direct sunlight should be at least six hours daily with around ten hours of natural light; no more than fourteen hours.
The seasons ideal for growing strawberries include lengthy daylight hours and higher spring and summer temperatures.
Should temps rise too much, you must provide some shade cover to prevent scorching of your plants. Delicate and prone to burning quickly are strawberry blossoms.
Dirt:
Growing strawberries requires optimum soil pH between 5.5 and 6.8. Examine the soil before you plant to guarantee your plants will yield the most significant results.
Use organic, nutrient-rich potting soil, whether growing in a raised bed or container. Combining your soil with several inches of old compost or another nutrient-dense organic material can quickly improve it.
Weting:
Although strawberries require enough water to blossom and flourish, overwatering can lead to rot.
Get 1 to 1.5 inches of water a week to keep the leaves dry. Black or straw plastic might aid in maintaining fruit cleanliness and wet soil.
Feeding Fertilizers
Fertilizer should be continuously released to maintain the health and vigor of your strawberry plants; robust growth may be achieved using all-purpose granules.
Your berries should mature around thirty days following the fertilization of the blooms in warm conditions.
ALSO READ – Do Alpine Strawberries Taste Good
How To Grow Strawberries In Containers As Beginners
Though you would not believe you could grow strawberries in pots or containers, given all the discussion about how much area they require, you can. Let us review some of the choices.
Strawberries are easy to grow in a hanging basket. Some plants were sown there after lining the basket with moss for drainage.
The strawberry vines will grow down the borders of the basket; hence, you will have no issue fitting two to three plants in a basket. Plant one strawberry plant per pocket using strawberry planters or grow bags.
Pools:
Growing strawberries in pots is pleasing as well as delicious. Arranging the pots on your patio or deck will allow you to appreciate the strawberry flowers and the mouthwatering berries as they mature.
Growing strawberries in a small area may be done well with stackable, tiered pots like these.
Containers have a drainage system to prevent root rot and disease, and they make it simple to grow wonderful strawberries without too much labor in the yard.
You may readily relocate your containers to follow the sun if you lack sun for six to ten hours daily in one area.
ALSO READ – Do Alpine Strawberries Like Acidic Soil
How Long Does It Take Strawberries To Grow For Beginners
Depending on the surroundings, strawberries often develop in two months from runner or up to six months from seeds.
You may begin gathering as soon as you come upon fully ripe fruit.
Fruit left on a vine too long can either mold or decay before you can eat it. Plan to gather four to six weeks following bloom. Cut the fruit by the stem; avoid pulling it, as you might break the runner.
What Are The Things To Watch While Growing Beginner’ Strawberries
Slugs are quite an easy target for strawberry plants. Broken eggshells scattered on the plant will discourage them.
Another issue might be the tarnished plant bug. This little flat bug has wings. Pick off any you find or spray insecticidal soap over.
Another issue might be the bud weevil; they puncture fresh buds, preventing fruit from developing. Eliminating any discovered diseased buds will help.
Additionally, a concern is root rot should the plants be overwatered. Use well-draining soil and water about 1–2 inches weekly to keep the water away from the leaves.
Using straw or black plastic, keep berries off the ground as much as possible to avoid mold and protect fruits from touching dead leaves. Remove any dead leaves you come across.
ALSO READ – Can You Swallow Strawberry Seeds
Final Thought
Now that we have established How You Grow Strawberries for Beginners, all that is required of you is that! You are now able to cultivate your strawberries grown from seeds.
It is important to remember that it will take some time before you begin to see any fruit, so be patient.
Additionally, the greatest approach to ensure your plants remain healthy is to provide them with a great deal of sunlight and water.