Strawberries are perennial, winter hardy, and will thrive in full sunshine & fertile, well-drained soil.
And if you keep them healthy, they produce an abundance of berries for three to four years.
After that, just replace them.
March is the time to get the planting, especially if the soil can be worked.
If a good soil is not available, try container gardening. It is a great alternative to planting directly in the ground.
There are two basic categories of strawberries. The Spring crop (June-bearing) and the Day-neutral (Everbearing).
Spring crops only produce once per year, but they are definitely the tastiest! Day-neutrals are still good, and they produce berries all season long.
Planting Tips
Just dig a hole for each plant large enough to place the roots straight downward, but a little bit spread out.
The topmost root should be just below the surface. Keep the soil moist, but not to wet in order to prevent pests and disease.
See our planting guide below.
Fertilizing
Wait for the growth to begin before fertilizing to prevent burning.
If you don't know your soil, try a good balanced blend of nitrogen, phosphorus and sulfur, such as 10-10-10 or 14-14-14.
This amount is in low enough levels to be effective and safe at the same time.
Water the fertilizer in well. Repeat the feeding again about mid-season.
Mulching well around the berries helps to prevent weeds and retains moisture. Strawberries do require regular watering in order to get the best flavor and fruit production.
Beware of Aphids because even though you may purchase a virus free plant from the nursery, these little bugs spread them. Rigid control is necessary in order to avoid the problem.
A safe insecticidal soap helps to remove them if they do arrive though.
Planting Tips
