Plant Care

How to Grow Strawberries

Growing strawberries brings luscious fruits, ranging in varieties, that are perfect for any setting – from sunny gardens to cosy windowsill spaces. With options like ever bearing strawberries and adaptable to various methods such as growing in raised beds, containers, and even vertically, they offer a garden of possibilities. Whether you're starting from seeds or using runners, it's easy to learn how to grow strawberries. Ideal for both beginners and seasoned gardeners, strawberries thrive with basic plant care, making them a charming addition to any space. The joy of plucking a ripe, home-grown strawberry is unmatched, ensuring a sweet, juicy reward for your gardening efforts.

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Seeds Needs Seasonal S.O.S.

Grow Strawberries From Seed

Start your strawberry growing journey indoors early in the spring. For successful germination, press the seeds gently onto moist compost in a seed tray, cover them to retain moisture, and keep the tray in a warm, bright location. Patience is key, as it takes about 2-3 weeks for the seeds to sprout. Once the seedlings emerge, transplant them into individual pots or modules. Before moving them outdoors in May, acclimate them gradually to outdoor conditions. For optimal growth, ensure the soil is weed-free, well-aerated, and enriched with organic matter, like compost or well-rotted manure. For those looking to grow strawberries in containers, choose high-quality, peat-free compost to ensure your plants thrive.

Wait 2-3 weeks for germination.

What Strawberries Needs

Watering: Water strawberries frequently in hot weather. Protection: Give Slug protection by covering the soil in straw. Pruning: Trim back runners unless propagating new plants.

Growing Strawberries Across the Season

Spring

In March sow strawberries indoors. April onwards, plant bare roots and plant seedlings in May.

Summer

Net to protect the fruit from birds. Regularly water, weed, and harvest ripe berries. Trim runners.

Autumn

Cut back old foliage and remove straw.

Winter

Decide on new varieties to grow next year.

Strawberries S.O.S.

Strawberry plants are generally hardy but can encounter a few troubles. Grey mould, a common issue especially in rainy weather, affects ripening fruit; remove these fruits quickly and ensure good air circulation. Frost can cause 'strawberry black eye', turning flower centres dark - protect them with cloches or fleece. Viral infections, indicated by stunted growth and mosaic-like leaf streaks, necessitate destroying affected plants and careful aphid control. If you spot sickly plants, check for white grubs and black beetles, and repot with fresh compost for control. Lastly, slugs can be a nuisance, often beaten by elevating strawberries with straw or growing them in pots to keep the fruit out of their reach.

How to Grow Strawberries

Spring

Summer

Autumn

Winter

Add straw around plants for slug protection.