Strawberies; How to Grow Garden Strawberies
Using the right cultivation and care methods when you’re growing strawberries at home will encourage plants to produce healthy fruit that can be used in some of your favorite dishes such as preserves and pies. Fresh strawberries can also be frozen and stored until a later date. Listed below are a few simple tips to help you grow healthier garden strawberries.
For the best results, choose certified disease-free plants. Strawberries should be planted in early spring as soon as the soil can be worked. Choose a planting location that’s well-drained and gets six to eight hours of full sunlight each day. Strawberries that are planted too far in the ground won’t do well; they should be planted with the crown just above ground-level. Also, fertilize the soil with a 10-10-10 fertilizer per 100 square feet.
Cover the area around your planted strawberries with straw mulch. This helps keep the soil cool, prevent weed growth, and retain moisture. Also, give your garden strawberries at least an inch of water every week. Garden strawberry runners should be removed to encourage strawberry plants to grow succulent berries.
To prevent pests such as sap beetles, slugs, weevils, birds and aphids from destroying your strawberry garden, remove overripe berries; keep weeds out of your garden; and remove straw mulch after harvest. Also, use pesticides where appropriate and cover your plants with netting.
If garden strawberries are cultivated and cared for properly, they can produce a healthy, bountiful harvest for you to enjoy.
