Strawberry Growing Guide
Fragaria ananassa
Crop Rotation Group
Miscellaneous ●
Soil
Well-drained rich soil with compost dug in, slightly acidic preferred.
Position
Sunny for best ripening, although will grow in partial shade.
Frost tolerant
Winter hardy. Plants go dormant in cold areas from late fall to early spring.
Feeding
In autumn and again in early spring, topdress established plants with rich compost or an organic fertiliser. Allow plants to rest in midsummer.
Spacing
Single Plants: 50cm (1' 7") each way (minimum)
Rows: 45cm (1' 5") with 60cm (1' 11") row gap (minimum)
Sow and Plant
Can be raised from seed easier from seedlings or runners from existing plants. Usually need to be planted by autumn for a crop the following year, although good bought-in plants can be planted in spring and still produce a crop.
Our Garden Planner can produce a personalized calendar of when to sow, plant and harvest for your area.
Notes
Can be used as a ground cover beneath vegetables and fruit trees, or managed as a perpetual bed. In late summer, remove weeds and withered leaves, and thin runners to no more than 3 per plant. Lift and transplant extra runners.
Harvesting
Gather ripe fruits in the morning, when they are cool, and refrigerate immediately. Wash in cool water just before eating.
Troubleshooting
Slugs can be deterred with straw mulch or traps. Use jamjars or netting to protect ripening berries from birds.
Planting and Harvesting Calendar
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Pests which Affect Strawberry