How to Plant Strawberries in 3 Simple Steps

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Most articles you find online share a whole gamut of information on strawberries… all about how to plant, grow, and care for them. It can be overwhelming to read it all at once, especially for a beginner trying to get their plants in the ground. I found it difficult to find definitive steps to follow to make it easy for the beginner to understand the planting stage in a step by step layout. I’ve tried planting strawberries in several different ways and have had many failures and successes. Although, I will give you some tools I’ve learned about caring for strawberries, I mainly focus on how to plant your strawberry.

I don’t know about you, but when I envision growing strawberries in my own garden, I have a salivary experience. Romantic images whirl in and out of my vision of summer mornings, sun hats and gardening dresses with red stains on them. I have memories from my childhood picking berries in my grandmothers berry patches, and I can remember the smells, laughter, and taste sensations we all had as we tied buckets around our waists. About half of the berries made it into the buckets, the rest disappeared into thin air (or so we claimed!).

Step 1: Select your Strawberry 

When it comes to selecting the perfect type and variety of strawberries to grow in your garden, it can be daunting navigating the choices available. Let’s chop it up here into a few categories to better understand your options.

Select your Type & Variety

There are three main types of strawberries to consider named for their harvest time: June-bearing, Everbearing, and Day-neutral. Each type has its own unique characteristics. Ultimately, the decision depends on personal preferences and the growing conditions in your area. 

June-bearing strawberries are known for their bountiful harvests during a 3-4 week period in late spring to early summer. Generally, these berries tolerate mild to warmer climates. These tasty berries are relatively easy to grow and are perfect for enjoying fresh or making preserves. If you prefer a large harvest and live in a warm climate, June-bearing strawberries are an excellent choice.

On the other hand, Everbearing strawberries provide a more extended harvest season, starting in late spring and continuing through summer and into fall. Typically there are 2-3 different harvests but fruits tend to be smaller than June-bearing strawberries. This variety does not tolerate high temperatures and the plants may not produce fruit. 

Day-neutral strawberries are a newer type of strawberry and like everbearing varieties they produce fruit consistently throughout the growing season, regardless of day length. In fact, day-neutral are a type of everbearing strawberry. They have a longer harvest than other everbearing strawberries. This makes them ideal for regions with more moderate climates and allows for a continuous supply of fresh strawberries from late spring until the first frost. [1]

In order to select the best variety for your garden, research reputable seed catalogs online and consult with local gardening experts.

Here are a few varieties I’ve grown and loved.

Select your planting method

There are three different methods for planting strawberries: planting seeds, bare roots, or seedlings. Planting seeds allows for a wide range and variety of choices on a budget, but it requires more time and patience before enjoying a harvest. This method is not generally recommended. Bare roots are dormant plants with their roots exposed, ready to be transplanted into the soil. This method offers a quicker start, but the selection of varieties is limited. This is a great option for gardeners on a budget. Seedlings are young plants that have already started growing, providing the advantage of an earlier harvest and a broader variety selection. This is often the most expensive option but also the easiest path to success. Ultimately, the decision of whether to plant seeds, bare roots, or seedlings depends on your personal preference, gardening experience, and desired time to harvest. [2]

Step 2: Plant your Strawberry

Prepare your supplies

Know what supplies you need before you pick up those bare roots or seedlings from the nursery. This will help you get them into the ground in record time, giving them their best chance!

Select your spot & plant

Before planting your strawberry, it is essential to prepare the soil properly. Begin by selecting a location that receives at least six hours of direct sunlight daily. Strawberries prefer well-draining soil, so amend it with organic matter such as compost or well-rotted manure to improve its structure and fertility. If planting in a raised bed, use organic potting soil. This will help retain moisture while allowing excess water to drain away. Ensure that the soil pH falls within the slightly acidic to neutral range, ideally between 5.5 and 7. Before planting, a soil test will help determine if you need to add any nutrients to your soil. 

Spacing

your strawberry plants correctly is crucial for their healthy development. Give each bare root or transplant enough room to spread its roots comfortably, typically 12 to 18 inches apart in rows. This spacing allows for adequate airflow and prevents overcrowding, reducing the risk of diseases. If you are planting in containers, allow a minimum of 8 inches between each plant.

When planting your strawberry bare roots, pay careful attention to the depth. Place the crown, which is the point where the roots meet the stem, at soil level. Avoid burying the crown too deeply, as this can lead to rotting. If planting into the ground, it is best to plant your strawberries in raised rows. Firmly press the soil around the roots to eliminate air pockets and provide stability.

Fertilize & Mulch

After planting, sprinkle a moderate amount of organic fertilizer (I recommend Berry-tone Organic fertilizer) and work into the soil surrounding your strawberry plants. Another tip is to use an organic growth stimulant (Organic Rev) while planting to give them a little growth boost. I simply dip the roots in diluted organic rev (follow the recommended dilution on the bottle) before placing them in the ground. Cover the soil around the bare roots with mulch. Mulch helps retain moisture, suppresses weed growth, and regulates soil temperature, providing an optimal environment for strawberry plants. Organic mulches such as straw or pine straw are excellent choices as they gradually decompose and add nutrients to the soil over time. Apply a layer of mulch about 2 to 3 inches thick, taking care not to bury the crown. Don’t forget to soak those babies with some water after planting. 

Step 3: Care for your strawberry plant

1. Pinching Off Flowers:

To encourage vigorous root and leaf development during the initial growth stages, it is best to pinch off the flowers that appear on your newly planted strawberry plants. Simply check your strawberry plants once a week and trim or pinch the flowers off. Doing this will redirect the plant’s energy towards establishing a strong root system and foliage, enhancing its ability to bear fruit in subsequent seasons. I recommend removing blossoms for all types of new strawberries until early July. Flower production will naturally stop by early July for June-bearing strawberries. [

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2. Snipping Off Shoots (runners):

As your strawberry plants continue to grow, it is crucial to manage their shoots effectively. Snipping off excessive shoots redirects the plant’s energy towards the main plant, resulting in stronger, healthier growth. You may choose to save one shoot per plant, ensuring a balanced and controlled distribution of resources. Moreover, rooting these trimmed shoots in separate pots allows for expansion and transplantation to other areas, providing more opportunities to propagate and expand your strawberry garden.

Regularly harvesting ripe strawberries not only offers the satisfaction of enjoying their luscious flavor but also stimulates further fruit production. By promptly picking the ripe berries, you encourage the plant to generate additional fruiting, ensuring a continuous supply throughout the season. 

4. Frequent Weeding:

Weeding plays a crucial role in maintaining the health and vitality of your strawberry plants. Regularly remove weeds that compete with your plants for essential nutrients, water, and sunlight. This practice helps reduce the risk of diseases, pests, and stunted growth while providing an unobstructed growth environment for your strawberries. [

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5. Winter Protection:

During the winter months, it is vital to safeguard your strawberry plants from harsh weather conditions. Apply a layer of organic mulch, such as straw or wood chips, around the base of the plants to insulate the soil and protect the roots from frost. Additionally, consider covering the plants with frost blankets or row covers to shield them from extreme cold temperatures.

6. Adequate Watering:

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Protecting your strawberry plants from pests and birds is crucial for a successful harvest. To deter pests, consider raising your strawberries using baskets or containers, elevating the fruit off the ground. This practice minimizes contact with soil-dwelling insects and reduces the risk of fungal infections. Additionally, implement organic pest control methods such as companion planting, deploying physical barriers, or employing environmentally friendly insecticides when necessary (I use Diatemaceous Earth-Food Grade).

What to do next

After you get those beauties in the ground, you may be wondering what’s next. Dive deeper into caring for your strawberries by checking out my strawberry plant care article so you feel prepared to give them the love they need all the way until first harvest. With every garden harvest there is a reward, but there is something very spectacular about a strawberry harvest. Not many harvests come with such a decadent tasty treat at the end. It’s not only about the fresh home-grown food, but growing, picking and eating it with the ones you love. Enjoy!