Nothing beats the taste of fresh strawberries, especially in summer. If you want to enjoy instant picking, you can learn how to grow strawberries at home. In fact, the best strawberries are homemade, as they have a rich flavor and sweetness that cannot be compared to their supermarket counterparts. Also, once you know how to grow strawberries, you can save money on grocery bills in the long run.
Strawberries are easy to grow, and the best time to plant is spring or autumn, depending on your growing zone. They can be planted directly in the ground, in garden beds, pots or even hanging baskets. It makes excellent fruit for growing on balconies or small, outdoor spaces. The best part is that you will have a steady supply of strawberries ready for these refreshing things.
So whether it's in the garden, in the bed or in the pot, here's how to grow strawberries in four easy steps for a juicy, summer crop.
If you prefer homemade food, check out how to grow tomatoes in pots and how to add potatoes for delicious meals.
How to grow strawberries in the garden 1. Choose your strawberry plant.
Young strawberry plant in the pot
Young Strawberry Plant in Pot (Photo Credit: Shutterstock)
While you can grow strawberries from seeds, most people choose to buy small potted plants or runners from the local garden center or nursery. Potted plants grow young, strawberries are formed, while runners are long-rooted plants taken from strawberry plants. These are cheaper options, however, they may take a little longer to grow and harvest.
If you want a big summer crop, it is recommended to buy a June plant to give you maximum strawberries. But if you want to grow small crops all year round, it is best to buy a perennial plant that bears fruit in spring and autumn.
2. Choose a sunny spot in your garden.
Testing the soil pH
Soil pH testing (Image Credit: Shutter Stock)
Next, find a sunny spot outside. Strawberries need 6 to 10 hours of direct sunlight, so choose a sunny, well-drained place outside. Ideally, soil pH should be between 5.5 and 6.5 for a healthy crop. If the pH is too low, it is recommended to add limestone or a small amount of dolomitic limestone to the soil. And if the pH is too high, add sulfur or moss to the soil. If unsure, you can always use a soil testing kit such as the Sonker Swail pH meter ($ 12, Amazon (opens in new tab)).
Tip: Never plant strawberries in a patch where you have grown tomatoes, potatoes, peppers or eggplants in the last four years. They can spread the fungus to your plants.
3. Apply strawberries.
Planting strawberries in the soil
Planting strawberries in the soil (Photo credit: Shutter stock)
Next, use a troll to dig a hole in the soil that is deep and wide enough for the roots. It should ideally be 4 to 8 inches deep, depending on how long the runner's roots are.
If the plant is in a pot, use the pot as a guideline on how deep the hole should be. Carefully remove the strawberry plant from the pot, and place the roots in the soil. Cover the roots with soil to cover the tops, and water immediately. The crown (or thick green stem) should rest on the soil.
4. Place the plants.
Rows of strawberries in the soil
Rowing strawberries in the soil (Photo credit: Shutter stock)
When planting in a dedicated soil patch or raised bed, place each strawberry 20 inches apart. If you have more than one row of strawberry plants, leave 4 feet of space between the rows to make sure there is enough space for the plants to grow.
How to grow strawberries in a pot / container 1. Choose the right pot with drainage
Stones in pottery for drainage
Stone in pottery for drainage (Image credit: Shutter stock)
First, find a large pot or container about 16 to 18 inches in diameter to allow enough space for the plant to grow. Make sure there are holes in the bottom of the pot so that the soil can be removed properly. Then, fill one-third of the vessel with broken vessels or small stones to aid drainage.
2. Fill the pot with mud.
Filling the pot with clay
Filling the pot with soil (Image credit: Shutter stock) 3. Transplant strawberries into the pot.
Remove the strawberry plant from the pot
Removing Strawberry Plants from Pots (Image Credit: Shutter Stock)
Gently remove the strawberries from their original container by loosening the soil around the roots with your fingers. Place the plant in the pot hole before covering the root tops with soil.
This should leave the crown of the plant on top of the soil. If you have a large pot or planter for more than one plant, place the strawberries 10 to 12 inches apart.
4. Water and place in a sunny place
Three pots of strawberry plants on the table
Three pots of strawberry plants on the table (Photo credit: Shutter stock)
Water the plants well, and keep them in a sunny place. Strawberries need 6 to 10 hours of sunlight a day, so keep your pots on the porch, backyard or balcony where they can get plenty of sun. When it cools, you can bring the pots inside, as long as they are near the sunny window. In addition, strawberries should be watered regularly, with about 1 inch of water each week.
Tip: Only water the base of the plant, not the fruit and leaves as it can cause fungus.
When are you ready to pick strawberries?
Ripe strawberries
Ripe Strawberries (Image Credit: Shutter Stock)
When most strawberries turn red, it means they are ripe and ready to pick. Carefully twist to lift the stem, and be sure to wash in cold water before eating.
Avoid leaving ripe berries on the vine, as they will spoil quickly. And voila, until summer, you should have a cup of juicy, fresh strawberries to enjoy!
If you are also interested in indoor plants, check out our guides on how to take care of succulents, how to regenerate succulents, how to plant grass seeds and how to get a green yard. We also explain how to take care of wind plants. If your favorite plants are withering, check out our top tips on how to save a dying plant.
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