Homegrown strawberries taste far better than anything from a shop. They are easy to grow in beds, containers, or even hanging baskets.
Types of strawberry
- Summer-fruiting: One big crop in June-July. The heaviest croppers.
- Everbearing/perpetual: Smaller crops from June to October. Good for extended harvests.
- Alpine: Tiny, intensely flavoured fruits. Good for shade and edging.
When to plant
- Bare-root plants: Plant in autumn (October-November) or early spring (March).
- Pot-grown plants: Can be planted any time, but spring and autumn are best.
Plants set in autumn establish well and crop the following summer.
Where to plant
- Full sun for the sweetest fruit.
- Well-drained, fertile soil enriched with compost.
- Avoid frost pockets where late frosts can damage flowers.
- Do not plant where strawberries, potatoes, tomatoes or chrysanthemums have grown recently.
Planting
- Space plants 35-40cm apart in rows 75cm apart.
- Plant with the crown (where leaves emerge) at soil level – not buried.
- Water well after planting.
- Mulch with straw once fruits start to form to keep them clean.
Growing in containers
Strawberries grow well in pots, hanging baskets, and strawberry planters.
- Use good quality potting compost.
- Water regularly – containers dry out quickly.
- Feed weekly with tomato fertiliser once flowering starts.
- Replace plants every 2-3 years as productivity declines.
Care during the season
- Watering: Keep well-watered, especially when fruits are forming.
- Feeding: Apply a high-potash fertiliser in spring and again after harvest.
- Runners: Remove runners (long stems with baby plants) unless you want new plants.
- Netting: Cover with netting to protect from birds.
Harvesting
Pick strawberries when fully red and slightly soft. Check plants every day or two during the season – ripe fruit does not keep long.
After harvest
- Cut back old leaves to about 10cm above the crown.
- Remove straw mulch and any debris.
- Feed with a balanced fertiliser.
- Water in dry weather to help plants build up for next year.
Replacing plants
Strawberry plants decline after 3-4 years. Replace with new plants in a different spot to avoid disease build-up. You can root runners from healthy plants to create free replacements.
For the longest season, grow a mix of early, mid-season and late varieties, plus some everbearing types for autumn fruit.
Written by Dave Thompson
Professional Gardener & Founder
Dave has over 15 years of experience in garden maintenance across Staffordshire. He founded Hedge Cutting Staffordshire in 2009 and has helped hundreds of homeowners create and maintain beautiful gardens. When he's not out trimming hedges or advising clients, he's testing the latest garden tools and sharing practical tips on this blog.
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