How To Grow Everbearing Strawberries

Imagine sinking your teeth into a sun-ripened strawberry, bursting with sweetness, not just in June, but throughout the entire growing season! That's the magic of everbearing strawberries. Unlike their June-bearing cousins, these prolific plants offer multiple harvests, bringing a continuous supply of fresh berries to your table. Ready to learn how to grow everbearing strawberries and enjoy this delicious bounty?

Understanding Everbearing Strawberries

Before we dive into the nitty-gritty of growing everbearing strawberries, let's clarify what exactly makes them special. The term "everbearing" can be a little misleading. They don't actually produce berriesconstantly. Instead, they typically produce three flushes of strawberries: one in spring, one in summer, and another in fall. The exact timing and size of these harvests will depend on your climate and the specific variety you choose.

Here's a breakdown of the key differences between everbearing and June-bearing strawberries:

1. Everbearing Strawberries: Produce multiple crops throughout the growing season (spring, summer, fall). Best fruit production is usually in the spring and fall. Plants may not thrive and produce well in the heat of the summer, especially if they’re not getting enough water or sunlight.
2. June-bearing Strawberries: Produce one large crop, usually over a period of 2-3 weeks in June (hence the name).

Everbearing varieties are a great option for home gardeners who want a longer harvest period and are willing to put in a little extra effort to manage the plants throughout the season.

Choosing the Right Everbearing Strawberry Variety

Selecting the right variety of everbearing strawberry is crucial for success. Different varieties have different characteristics, including disease resistance, berry size, and flavor. Here are a few popular and reliable everbearing strawberry varieties to consider:

1. Ozark Beauty: Known for its large, flavorful berries and vigorous growth. It’s a good choice for beginners and adaptable to various climates.
2. Seascape: Produces consistently large, sweet berries with good disease resistance. It’s a popular choice for both home gardens and commercial growers.
3. Albion: Another popular variety known for its excellent flavor, firm berries, and disease resistance. It’s particularly well-suited for warmer climates.
4. Tristan: A newer variety prized for its unique rose-red flowers and delicious, conical berries. It’s also relatively compact, making it a good choice for containers.

When choosing a variety, consider your local climate and growing conditions. Research the specific characteristics of each variety to ensure it's a good fit for your garden. Local nurseries and extension offices can provide valuable recommendations for your area.

How to Plant Everbearing Strawberries

Proper planting is essential for establishing healthy, productive everbearing strawberry plants. Follow these steps for best results:

Timing

The best time to plant everbearing strawberries is in early spring, after the last frost, or in the fall, at least 6 weeks before the first expected frost. This allows the plants to establish their roots before the extreme temperatures of summer or winter.

Location

Everbearing strawberries need at least 6-8 hours of direct sunlight per day to produce abundant fruit. Choose a location that receives plenty of sun and has well-drained soil. Avoid areas that are prone to standing water, as this can lead to root rot.

Soil Preparation

Strawberries thrive in slightly acidic soil with a p H of 5.5 to

6.5. Before planting, amend the soil with compost or other organic matter to improve drainage and fertility. Remove any weeds or debris from the planting area. To check your soil acidity, you can use a home testing kit, or send samples to your local extension office.

Here's a simple recipe for a soil amendment that strawberries will love:

1. Mix equal parts of compost, aged manure, and peat moss.
2. Add a handful of bone meal per planting hole to provide phosphorus for strong root development.
3. Incorporate the mixture into the top 6-8 inches of soil.

Planting Instructions

Space everbearing strawberry plants 12-18 inches apart in rows that are 3-4 feet apart. Dig a hole large enough to accommodate the root ball, making sure that the crown of the plant (the point where the stem and roots meet) is level with the soil surface. Planting the crown too deep can cause the plant to rot, while planting it too shallow can cause the roots to dry out.

Gently spread the roots of the plant in the hole and backfill with soil, firming it gently around the base of the plant. Water thoroughly after planting.

Caring for Your Everbearing Strawberry Plants

Once your everbearing strawberry plants are established, proper care is essential for maximizing fruit production. Here's what you need to know:

Watering

Strawberries need consistent moisture, especially during fruit production. Water deeply and regularly, especially during dry periods. Aim to keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged. Drip irrigation is an excellent way to deliver water directly to the roots and minimize water waste.

Fertilizing

Everbearing strawberries benefit from regular fertilization. Apply a balanced fertilizer (e.g., 10-10-10) according to the package directions in early spring and again after each major harvest. Avoid over-fertilizing, as this can lead to excessive foliage growth and reduced fruit production. For organic gardeners, fish emulsion or compost tea are excellent fertilizer options. Avoid applying fertilizer directly to the foliage, as this can cause burning.

Mulching

Mulching is essential for weed control, moisture retention, and temperature regulation. Apply a layer of organic mulch, such as straw, wood chips, or pine needles, around the plants. Mulch also helps to keep the berries clean and prevent them from coming into contact with the soil, which can reduce the risk of rot.

Pest and Disease Control

Strawberries can be susceptible to various pests and diseases, including slugs, aphids, spider mites, and fungal diseases like powdery mildew and gray mold. Regularly inspect your plants for signs of infestation or disease and take action promptly.

Here are some tips for pest and disease control:

1. Slugs: Handpick slugs or use slug bait traps.
2. Aphids: Spray plants with insecticidal soap or neem oil.
3. Spider mites: Increase humidity around the plants or use miticides.
4. Powdery mildew: Improve air circulation and apply fungicides.
5. Gray mold: Remove infected fruit and foliage and apply fungicides.

Choosing disease-resistant varieties can also help to minimize the risk of problems. Consider introducing beneficial insects like ladybugs which are natural predators of aphids.

Pruning and Maintenance

Everbearing strawberries require some pruning and maintenance to encourage optimal fruit production. Remove runners (the horizontal stems that produce new plants) as they appear. Runners can divert energy away from fruit production. Some gardeners remove all the flowers for the first 6 weeks after planting, to allow the plant to establish a strong root system. Also, remove any dead or damaged foliage regularly to prevent the spread of disease. Consider using a quality tool organizer to keep your gardening equipment in top shape. For example, the Keomaisyto Garden Tool Organizer with Basket provides a handy way to arrange your rakes, shovels, and other tools neatly. You can easily find it here: Keomaisyto Garden Tool Organizer With Basket. With a heavy-duty holder and 35 long-handled slots, this yard tool rack helps keep your gardening space tidy.

Harvesting Everbearing Strawberries

Everbearing strawberries will typically produce their first crop within a few months of planting. Harvest the berries when they are fully ripe and red all over. Gently twist or snip the berries from the plant, leaving a short piece of stem attached. Handle the berries carefully to avoid bruising them.

Harvesting frequently encourages the plants to produce more berries. Check your plants every few days and harvest any ripe berries. Ripe berries left on the plant can attract pests and diseases. Store harvested strawberries in the refrigerator for up to a week. For long-term storage, you can freeze or preserve the berries.

Overwintering Everbearing Strawberries

In cold climates, everbearing strawberries need protection during the winter months. After the first frost, cover the plants with a thick layer of straw or other insulating material. This will help to protect the roots from freezing and thawing, which can damage the plants.

In milder climates, you may not need to provide winter protection. However, it's still a good idea to mulch the plants to protect the roots and prevent weed growth. Remove the winter mulch in early spring, before new growth begins. Remember, you can grow everbearing strawberries in raised beds as well.

Growing Everbearing Strawberries in Containers

Everbearing strawberries are well-suited for growing in containers. This is a great option for gardeners with limited space or those who want to grow strawberries on a patio or balcony.

Choosing the Right Container

Select a container that is at least 12 inches in diameter and 8 inches deep. Make sure the container has drainage holes to prevent waterlogging. Terra cotta pots are a good choice, as they allow the soil to breathe. Hanging baskets are also a popular option for growing strawberries.

Potting Mix

Use a high-quality potting mix that is well-draining and rich in organic matter. Avoid using garden soil, as it can compact in containers and impede drainage. You can also add perlite or vermiculite to the potting mix to improve drainage.

Planting and Care

Plant the strawberries in the container as described above, making sure that the crown of the plant is level with the soil surface. Water regularly and fertilize every 2-3 weeks with a balanced fertilizer. Place the container in a location that receives at least 6-8 hours of direct sunlight per day. Monitor the plants for pests and diseases and take action promptly. In colder climates, bring the containers indoors during the winter months or provide insulation to protect the roots from freezing.

Troubleshooting Common Problems

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

1. Poor fruit production: This can be caused by insufficient sunlight, poor soil, or over-fertilization. Ensure that your plants are receiving enough sunlight, amend the soil as needed, and avoid over-fertilizing.
2. Small berries: This can be caused by insufficient watering or fertilization. Water regularly and fertilize every 2-3 weeks with a balanced fertilizer.
3. Pest infestations: Regularly inspect your plants for signs of pests and take action promptly. Use insecticidal soap, neem oil, or other appropriate treatments.
4. Disease problems: Improve air circulation, remove infected foliage, and apply fungicides as needed. Choose disease-resistant varieties to minimize the risk of problems.

Growing everbearing strawberries is a rewarding experience that can provide you with a continuous supply of fresh, delicious berries throughout the growing season. With a little planning and care, you can enjoy the sweet taste of homegrown strawberries all summer long!