Strawberries

Planting strawberries

Set crowns or transplants in early spring as soon as the soil can be worked. Pinch the first flush of flowers on June-bearing types so new plants build roots first.

Planting details

• Plant with the crown level at the soil surface, not buried and not exposed
• Spacing: 12 to 18 inches
• June-bearing, everbearing, and day-neutral types fruit on different schedules

Growing requirements

Strawberries need full sun, slightly acidic soil, and steady moisture through flowering and fruiting. Good drainage and airflow around the plants reduce gray mold on ripening berries.

Harvesting and care

Renovate June-bearing beds right after harvest by thinning crowded plants and trimming old leaves. Keep mulch under the fruit, and replace the bed every 3 to 4 years as yields drop.

Common mistakes

• Burying the crown, which rots the plant at soil level
• Letting every runner root, which turns the bed into an unproductive mat
• Skipping mulch, which leaves berries resting on damp soil

Companion plants

Lettuce, spinach, and chives grow well between strawberry rows. Avoid planting into ground that recently held tomatoes or potatoes, which can carry verticillium.