{"id":2374,"date":"2019-06-06T09:42:22","date_gmt":"2019-06-06T09:42:22","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/gardener.guide\/?p=2374"},"modified":"2020-01-22T09:10:25","modified_gmt":"2020-01-22T09:10:25","slug":"14-step-by-step-instructions-on-growing-strawberry-at-home","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/gardener.guide\/14-step-by-step-instructions-on-growing-strawberry-at-home\/","title":{"rendered":"14 Step-by-Step Instructions on Growing Strawberry at Home"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
\"\"<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

Strawberries are one of the most widely cultivated berry types there are, and they\u2019re a great choice for first-time gardeners who would love to bring some new life to their gardens \u2013 of course, it helps that you can eat them, too. They\u2019re known as one of the healthiest fruits out there, and they can be used to make everything from desserts to preserves \u2013 and there\u2019s just something a lot more satisfying about harvesting the fruits from your own garden. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

They grow happily in the majority of different climates, and strawberries will thrive as long as they\u2019re being grown in the right conditions with enough access to sunlight, water, and the right nutrient-rich soil.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Popular for both growing in pots and straight into the ground, cultivating strawberries is one of the most effortless berries you can have as part of your garden arrangement. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Here are 8 excellent step-by-step tips for ensuring that you have the best strawberries on the block.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

1. Potted or Not?<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

The very first thing that you should decide if you want to include strawberry plants in your garden is whether you\u2019ll be planting them inside pots or not \u2013 and both of these have their advantages. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you plant your strawberries directly into the ground, they might need some closer taking care of to ensure that all of the elements surrounding the plant are correct \u2013 and you\u2019re automatically risking more wind and weather exposure for your plants, so this is only practical in climates with moderate to mild weather. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you plant your strawberries in pots instead, then it can give you considerably more freedom to control their growing conditions \u2013 and if needed, the plants are a lot easier to move around when they\u2019re in pots. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Choose a pot that\u2019s large enough to accommodate the roots with even a few months to years worth of growth for the plant when choosing to plant in pots, though remember that some types of pots (including cement-made ones) are often a hassle to move. <\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

\"\"<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

2. Seeing Sun<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Sunlight is one of the most important factors for happy plant growth, although it can feel like one of the hardest things possible to figure out if you\u2019re the first-time gardener. Different types of plants require varying levels of sunlight, and while you\u2019re still in the planning phase for what to plant in your garden next this should be the very first thing that you check. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Strawberries like to get sun \u2013 at least between 4 \u00bd to 6 hours worth of sunlight per day \u2013 but they don\u2019t like to get harsh sun that can damage the plant, especially during the earlier growth phases. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

This is one instance where it\u2019s useful to say that you planted your strawberries in pots instead: Where you notice sunlight becoming too harsh for the plant, you can just relocate the plant to somewhere else in the garden without the need to transplant.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Access to enough shade is just as vital, too.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

\"\"<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

3. Growing from Seeds<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Strawberry plants are one of the easiest plants in the berry family to grow directly from seeds, and it\u2019s part of why they\u2019re an exceptionally great choice for first-time gardeners and anyone who wants to start experimenting with the addition of berries to their garden. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you\u2019re growing strawberry plants from seeds, the best way possible to ensure that they take within the ground is to germinate the seeds between simple layers of tissue paper before placing them in the ground. This ensures that they undergo the most vital parts of the initial germination stage outside of the ground (where they could be exposed to the elements), and it makes transplantation to the ground a lot easier. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Planting from seeds directly into the ground often results in a significant amount of seeds that don\u2019t \u201ccome up\u201d when they should \u2013 but the tissue paper trick is one that will work every time for a variety of different plants.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

\"\"<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

4. Adjusting Soil<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Soil is one of the most vital components when you\u2019re setting up your garden, and most successful gardens will have several different soil types in different areas that are optimized for that section and whatever you\u2019re choosing to grow there. If you\u2019d like to plant or transplant strawberries into the new soil, it\u2019s vital that you get the pH levels and the nutrient contents of the soil right. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you notice that your plants are ever unhappy, the first thing that you should take a look at is the soil: Discoloration of leaves is usually the first sign that the pH will need an adjustment, and stunted growth can mean that the ground doesn\u2019t have enough nutrients for the plants to flourish. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Start the planting phase with soil that falls under moderate pH levels (six to seven) and from there, adjust the pH levels as necessary and keep measuring the levels as you see any changes in the plants. <\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

\"\"<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

5. First Watering<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

The first watering can be considered one of the most essential phases for starting off plant growth, and this is why it\u2019s essential to get it right. Strawberry plants like having access to enough water in the soil that drains easily \u2013 sometimes mixing a little bit of sand into the soil can help this process along; what strawberry plants don\u2019t like is access to too much water, and gardeners have to be careful not to overstep this line. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Over-watering can outright kill your plants, but if it doesn\u2019t, then it can lead to stunted growth and strawberries that can taste \u201cwatery\u201d because of the excess water content. Adjust the watering frequency should this be the case with your strawberry plants \u2013 and also adjust the watering frequency to less frequent as the rain picks up, or move plants out of the rain if it becomes too much for the plants to handle. <\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

\"\"<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

6. Pruning<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Pruning is an essential part of growing most types of different fruit plants, and it\u2019s one of the parts of gardening that novice gardeners will have the most questions about: How much do you prune, and how often do you do it? Can you prune a strawberry plant too far, or too frequently? <\/p>\n\n\n\n

The best way to approach pruning for your strawberry plants is to keep an eye on your plants and develop a keen \u201cfeel\u201d for when your plants need pruning instead of through trying to schedule it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

While you can easily guide nature and plant growth, you should never try to force it. Thus, pruning should be done in cases where leaves start to die off or strawberries start to drop away \u2013 and generally not before or after this stage. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Remove parts of the plant so that there\u2019s enough left for it to continue growing; trim too closely and you\u2019re only delaying the growth of your plant. <\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

\"\"<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

7. Dealing with Pests<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Strawberries make for a wonderful sweet delight, and they aren\u2019t just a great treat for humans \u2013 they\u2019re also often an attraction for all sorts of critters and creatures to your garden who might be after the fruits and berries in your garden. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

As a general rule, plants should be treated with a natural anti-insect spray at least a few times per year \u2013 and you can make it t home without having to resort to any chemicals which can negatively affect your plants or your harvest. Mint-based plants, as well as tobacco or strong coffee, are all things that make for a great natural anti-bug spray for your garden that won\u2019t affect plants. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Also, remember that pests aren\u2019t always a problem; many times they\u2019re just \u201cthere\u201d and instead considered the sign of a healthy garden \u2013 if pests aren\u2019t taking over the whole garden and all you find is a few earthworms per year, it\u2019s a sign of a healthy and happy garden <\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

\"\"<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

8. Promoting Further Growth<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Strawberry plants that are well taken care of can provide you with a bountiful harvest of plump strawberries for years to come, and if you want to turn the plants you have now into plants that flourish for years, it\u2019s vital to not only create the right conditions for the plants to grow but also to sustain the conditions for years. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Strawberries will need regular maintenance just like everything else in the garden, although there\u2019s no need to overcomplicate it. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

One of the best things a gardener can learn how to do is to watch their garden with time \u2013 your plants will show you what they need and when; learn to trim when leaves die off, adjust the watering levels as the rain changes and adjust the pH levels of the soil if you notice any changes to your plants. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

With just a little bit of care, strawberry plants can grow happily for years to come. <\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

\"\"<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

9. Design a Vertical Garden
<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

While strawberries do well in flowerbeds, you can increase your annual yield and grow more plants if you use a vertical garden. To build a vertical garden, visit a dumpsite and pick up a 45-gallon drum, and clean it out. Drill holes in the side of the drum spaced 18-inches apart, and 5-inches in diameter. You should bet at least 30 planting sites following this strategy.
<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Line the inside of the drum with burlap, and then fill with your soil mixture. Pack the soil down lightly, and then water. Leave the drum overnight to let the soil rest. The following day, cut away the burlap covering the holes and plant your strawberries directly into the pre-drilled slots. The chances are that not all of your plants will make it, but you can keep replacing them if they die. This planting strategy gives you an extended fruiting season.
<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Considering the footprint of the drum and the number of strawberries you can harvest using this method, it is the preferred option for growers with small gardens.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

\"\"<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

10. Choose Your Variety
<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Did you know that you can purchase different varieties of strawberries? The most recent addition to the strawberry family \u2013 is the pine-berry. This strawberry type is white in color, with red seeds, and a pineapple taste. Another hotly anticipated variety \u2013 the purple-berry, is also a favorite exotic of growers.
<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If these types sound to GMO for your taste, then try the alpine varieties for the best traditional strawberry flavor and fragrance available. Talented strawberry breeders create new strains of strawberries every season, so make sure you stay up to date with all of the latest releases to the strawberry market.
<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Some varieties of strawberries do better in cold conditions than others, so check with your local nursery for recommended types to suit your climate. Matching your berries to your environment is a critical step before you start planting. If you choose the wrong species for the climate, then you\u2019ll end up with dry, uncolored strawberries that have no flavor.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

\"\"<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

11. Strawberry Diseases
<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

When planting your strawberries, it\u2019s essential to protect them from fungal diseases. Never water your fruits from an overhead position. This watering strategy can lead to the development of powdery mildew on your plants. Powdery mildew looks like someone dusted your plants with talcum powder, and it causes the plants to lose their photosynthesis ability, starving them to death.
<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Strawberries are also susceptible to the development of Verticillium fungus. This fungus causes verticillium wilt or verticillium rot, which is one of the most common strawberry diseases affecting a crop. If you plant develops this disease, it ends the fruiting period of the plant, causing it to kill off any developing fruit.
<\/p>\n\n\n\n

There is no way to treat verticillium wilt or verticillium rot, and if your plants develop this fungus, you\u2019ll have to dig them up and throw them away. You\u2019ll need to pull the infected plants as soon as possible to avoid the fungus spreading to other fruits and veggies in your garden.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

\"\"<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

12. The Matted Row System
<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

If you decide to plant your strawberries in the ground, then there are a couple of crop arrangements you can use with success. However, after trying and testing every method possible, we found that the matted row system is the best option for optimal growth and production of your crop.
<\/p>\n\n\n\n

We feel that the matted option works best with June-bearing strawberry varieties. When using the matted system, the grower spreads the plants out at a distance of 19 to 24-inches apart, in rows that are 3.5-feet apart from each other. Allow the runners to spread roots as they please, and you should end up with a crisscross pattern of plants in your flowerbed.
<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Using the matted method, you should get the biggest harvest. However, some growers suggest that this method does not yield the juiciest and largest fruit. In this case, if you are looking for quality over quantity, we recommend you use the hill method for planting your strawberries.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

\"\"<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

13. Harvesting Strawberries
<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Most growers notice that the first harvest on their strawberry plant is not substantial, and most plants produce dry and tasteless fruit in the first season. However, caring for your plants through the winter and into the next growing season will ensure that your second season yields fantastic fruit from your strawberry plants.
<\/p>\n\n\n\n

When harvesting strawberries, leave them on the plant for two days after they change color. This additional time gives the sugars in the fruit time to mature, increasing the sweet taste of the strawberries. Ripe strawberries are sensitive to touch, and you can easily bruise them if you are not careful when picking them from the plant.
<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The best harvesting method involves taking the stem of the strawberry between your thumb and index finger, using your fingernail to severe the stem and release the fruit from the plant. Using this method, you won\u2019t damage the fruit. Remember to cradle your palm under the strawberry before it drops.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

\"\"<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

14. Storing Strawberries
<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Strawberries are a seasonal producer, so trying to keep the plants fruiting all year round is not possible, no matter how green your thumb. After harvesting, we recommend that you store your strawberries in the crisper drawer of your fridge. Don\u2019t rinse the berries until you intend to eat them, as contact with water will start the rotting process.
<\/p>\n\n\n\n

You can freeze strawberries without any issues. Rinse the berries and lay them out on a baking tray lined with cookie foil. Spread a single layer of the strawberries across the surface of the plate, and then leave it in the freezer for 2-hours. Once frozen, add the berries to a Ziploc plastic bag, and store in the freezer for up to 10-months.
<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Strawberries also make a fantastic preserve, and you can make them into a jam on the same day as you harvest them, then store the jar in the fridge for up to a year.
<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\r\n