How To Grow Strawberries From Starter Plant

Imagine biting into a sun-ripened strawberry, bursting with sweet, juicy flavor. It's a taste of summer that's hard to beat, and even better when you've grown those berries yourself! Starting with starter plants is a fantastic way to get a head start on your strawberry harvest. Let's dive into everything you need to know to successfully grow strawberries from starter plants and enjoy your own homegrown goodness.

Selecting the Right Strawberry Starter Plants

Choosing the right starter plants is the first crucial step in your strawberry-growing journey. Not all strawberry plants are created equal. There are three main types, each with its own unique fruiting habits. Understanding these types will help you select the plants that best suit your needs and climate.

Types of Strawberry Plants

There are three main types of strawberry plants:

1. June-Bearing: These plants produce one large crop of strawberries, usually in late spring or early summer (around June, hence the name). June-bearing varieties are known for their large, flavorful fruit.
2. Everbearing: Everbearing strawberries produce two or three harvests throughout the growing season – one in spring, another in late summer or early fall. The fruit size is typically smaller than June-bearing varieties.
3. Day-Neutral: Day-neutral strawberries are the most consistent producers, fruiting continuously throughout the growing season as long as temperatures are moderate (between 35°F and 85°F). The fruit is typically medium-sized.

Knowing your climate is essential. Different varieties thrive in different regions. For example, Chandler strawberries are popular in warmer climates, while Honeoye does well in cooler areas. Your local nursery is a great resource for finding varieties that are well-suited to your specific location. Also consider disease resistance, which reduces the risk of crop failure.

Where to Buy Starter Plants

You can find strawberry starter plants at local nurseries, garden centers, and online retailers. When choosing plants, look for healthy-looking plants with vibrant green leaves and strong root systems. Avoid plants that are wilted, discolored, or show signs of pests or diseases.

Bareroot plants are typically cheaper and are usually available in the dormant season (late fall to early spring). Before planting bareroot plants, soak the roots in water for an hour or two to rehydrate them.

Potted plants are more expensive but offer a higher success rate because they already have established root systems. These can be planted any time during the growing season, as long as the ground isn't frozen.

Preparing the Soil for Planting Strawberries

Preparing the soil properly is absolutely critical to growing strawberries from starter plants. Strawberries need well-drained, fertile soil to thrive.

Soil Requirements

Strawberries prefer slightly acidic soil with a p H between 5.5 and

6.8. You can test your soil's p H using a soil testing kit available at most garden centers. If your soil is too alkaline, you can amend it with sulfur or peat moss to lower the p H. The soil should be rich in organic matter to provide nutrients and improve drainage. Amend your soil with compost, well-rotted manure, or other organic materials before planting. This will improve the soil structure and fertility.

Choosing the Right Location

Strawberries need at least 6-8 hours of direct sunlight per day to produce a good crop of berries. Choose a location that receives plenty of sun, especially in the morning. Also ensure the location has good drainage, as strawberries do not like to sit in waterlogged soil. If your soil drains poorly, consider planting in raised beds.

Strawberries are heavy feeders, so proper soil preparation is key. A few weeks before planting, prepare the soil by removing weeds, rocks, and debris. Dig in plenty of compost or well-rotted manure to improve the soil structure and fertility. You can also add a balanced fertilizer, such as 10-10-10, to provide essential nutrients.

Planting Strawberry Starter Plants

Now, let's get those strawberry starter plants in the ground! Proper planting techniques will help ensure healthy growth and a bountiful harvest. Whether you are learning how to grow strawberries from starter plants for the first time or are an experienced gardener, these planting techniques will help you grow the most succulent strawberries imaginable.

When to Plant

The best time to plant strawberry starter plants depends on your climate and the type of plants you're using. For June-bearing varieties, plant in early spring as soon as the ground can be worked. This allows the plants to establish themselves before the hot summer weather arrives. Everbearing and day-neutral varieties can be planted in early spring or late summer/early fall. Planting in the fall allows the plants to develop strong root systems before winter, leading to a larger crop the following year. Make sure to check the average first frost date in your area when deciding to plant in the fall.

Planting Instructions

Space June-bearing plants about 18-24 inches apart in rows that are 3-4 feet apart. This gives the plants plenty of room to spread. Everbearing and day-neutral varieties can be planted closer together, about 12 inches apart. When planting, dig a hole large enough to accommodate the root ball. Gently remove the plant from its container and loosen the roots slightly. Place the plant in the hole, making sure the crown (the point where the roots meet the stem) is level with the soil surface. Planting too deep can cause the crown to rot, while planting too shallow can cause the roots to dry out.

Backfill the hole with soil and gently pat it down. Water the plants thoroughly after planting. Mulch around the plants with straw, wood chips, or pine needles to help retain moisture, suppress weeds, and keep the berries clean. Some people prefer raised beds for growing strawberries, as it helps with drainage and soil warmth.

Caring for Strawberry Plants

Once your strawberry plants are in the ground, consistent care is essential to ensure a healthy and productive harvest. This includes watering, fertilizing, weeding, and protecting your plants from pests and diseases. Let's examine all of this information.

Watering

Strawberries need consistent moisture, especially during fruit production. Water deeply whenever the top inch of soil feels dry to the touch. Avoid overhead watering, as this can promote fungal diseases. Drip irrigation or soaker hoses are the best ways to water strawberries, as they deliver water directly to the roots. During dry spells, water your plants more frequently. Mulching around the plants will help retain moisture and reduce the need for frequent watering.

Fertilizing

Fertilize your strawberry plants in early spring, before they start producing fruit. Use a balanced fertilizer, such as 10-10-10, or a fertilizer specifically formulated for berries. Follow the instructions on the fertilizer package for application rates. Avoid over-fertilizing, as this can lead to excessive foliage growth and reduced fruit production. Side-dress your plants with compost or well-rotted manure throughout the growing season to provide additional nutrients. Organic fertilizers, such as fish emulsion or seaweed extract, are also good options for feeding your strawberry plants.

Weeding

Keep your strawberry patch free of weeds, as weeds can compete with the plants for water, nutrients, and sunlight. Hand-pull weeds regularly, or use a hoe to cultivate the soil around the plants. Be careful not to damage the shallow roots of the strawberry plants when weeding. Mulching around the plants will also help suppress weed growth. Using a garden tool organizer can help you keep your tools readily accessible when weeding your strawberry patch. Consider the Keomaisyto Garden Tool Organizer With Basket - this handy rack provides plenty of space for your long-handled tools and keeps everything neatly organized. You can find it on Amazon here: Keomaisyto Garden Tool Organizer With Basket. These storage solutions make gardening easier and more enjoyable.

Pest and Disease Control

Strawberries are susceptible to several pests and diseases, including slugs, snails, aphids, spider mites, and fungal diseases. Monitor your plants regularly for signs of pests or diseases. Hand-pick slugs and snails, or use traps to control them. Spray aphids and spider mites with insecticidal soap or neem oil. Prevent fungal diseases by providing good air circulation, avoiding overhead watering, and removing any diseased leaves. If fungal diseases become a problem, treat with a fungicide specifically labeled for use on strawberries.

Harvesting and Storing Strawberries

Harvesting your own strawberries is one of the most rewarding aspects of gardening. But knowing when and how to harvest and store your berries will ensure you enjoy the best flavor and quality. This is the final step in learning how to grow strawberries from starter plants.

When to Harvest

Strawberries are ready to harvest when they are fully red and slightly soft to the touch. The berries should easily detach from the plant when gently twisted. Harvest your berries in the morning, after the dew has dried. Avoid harvesting during the heat of the day, as this can cause the berries to bruise. Pick berries every few days as they ripen to prevent overripe berries from attracting pests.

How to Harvest

To harvest strawberries, gently twist the stem of the berry just above the cap (the green leafy part). Avoid pulling or tugging on the berries, as this can damage the plant. Place the harvested berries in a shallow container to prevent bruising. Handle the berries gently, as they are delicate and easily damaged.

Storing Strawberries

Strawberries are best enjoyed fresh, but they can also be stored for a few days in the refrigerator. To store strawberries, do not wash them until you are ready to eat them. Place the unwashed berries in a single layer in a container lined with paper towels. Cover the container with a lid or plastic wrap and store in the refrigerator for up to 5-7 days. You can also freeze strawberries for longer storage. To freeze strawberries, wash and hull them, then spread them out on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Freeze for a few hours, then transfer the frozen berries to a freezer bag or container. Frozen strawberries can be stored for up to 12 months.

Troubleshooting Common Problems

Even with the best care, you may encounter some challenges when growing strawberries. Here are some common problems and how to address them:

Small or Misshapen Berries

Small or misshapen berries can be caused by poor pollination, lack of water, or nutrient deficiencies. Ensure your plants are getting enough water and fertilizer. Attract pollinators to your garden by planting flowers that attract bees and other beneficial insects. If necessary, hand-pollinate the flowers by using a small paintbrush to transfer pollen from one flower to another.

Lack of Fruit Production

Lack of fruit production can be caused by insufficient sunlight, over-fertilization, or disease. Make sure your plants are getting at least 6-8 hours of sunlight per day. Avoid over-fertilizing, as this can lead to excessive foliage growth at the expense of fruit production. Inspect your plants for signs of disease and treat accordingly.

Pest Infestations

Pest infestations can be a nuisance for strawberry plants. Monitor your plants regularly for signs of pests, such as aphids, spider mites, slugs, and snails. Use organic pest control methods, such as insecticidal soap, neem oil, or diatomaceous earth, to control pests. Hand-pick slugs and snails, or use traps to control them. Encourage beneficial insects, such as ladybugs and lacewings, to help control pest populations.