Strawberries are well suited for planting in the home garden, as they produce fruits very quickly and require a relatively small amount of space. Each plant may produce up to one quart of fruit when grown in a matted row during the first fruiting year. Production usually declines during the second and third years of fruiting-- for maximum production, a new planting should be established after strawberry plants produce fruits for more than 3 to 4 years.

June-Bearers vs. Day-Neutral Types:

Strawberry plants may be of two major types, June-bearing or day-neutral. June-bearing plants are grown to produce a full crop the season after planting. The ripening season of June-bearing strawberry cultivars ranges from late May to the end of June. Day-neutral type strawberry plants differ from the standard or June-bearing types in that they produce a full crop the first season they are planted. June-bearing types are most popular for the home garden and commercial use because of their flavor and quality. It is not possible to differentiate between the two types by sight--it is important to specify which type is desired when purchasing plants.

Cultivar Selection:

Home fruit growers have a large number of cultivars to select from. The selection is much greater for the June-bearing types than for the day-neutral types. Select cultivars for disease resistance.

Planting Site Requirements for Strawberry Plants:

Strawberry plants require full sun for the maximum yield and the best quality. Best results are obtained when the plants are grown in loose, fertile soils containing large quantities of organic matter. The soil should be slightly acidic, with a pH between 5.8 and 6.5. Soil testing every two to three years is highly recommended for the best yield and quality. Apply nutrients and lime (if needed) prior to planting according to soil test results. Apply 1 ounce (10 oz. 10-10-10) of actual nitrogen broadcast per 100 square feet of plant or 0.5 ounce (5 oz. 10-10-10) in a band 4 to 6 inches away from the plants 7 to 10 days after planting. Apply 1 to 1.5 ounces actual nitrogen broadcast in mid-June if rainfall has been excessive and again in mid-August. In the fruiting years, apply 1 to 1.5 ounces actual nitrogen broadcast after harvest and again in mid-August.

The strawberry plant is sensitive to excessive soil moisture. Strawberries should be planted in raised beds or on ridges if drainage is a problem. Avoid planting strawberry plants in areas where potatoes, tomatoes or sod were grown recently, as insect and disease problems may result in serious plant damage.

Cultural Problems:

Important cultural practices for growing strawberries include planting techniques and spacing, weed control, proper fertilizer, blossom removal, irrigation, renovation after harvest, insect and disease control and mulch for protection from cold temperatures and diseases. Mechanical cultivation and mulching are crucial to maintaining a weed-free planting.

Planting and Spacing:

Early spring is the best time to plant strawberry plants, unless the soil is very wet. Fall planting is not recommended because plants can be injured by soil heaving (alternate freezing and thawing). When planting, be sure to cover the roots and only half of the crown with soil. Make a trench deep enough to set the roots vertically. Do not bend roots horizontally.

June-bearing plants are spaced 12 to 24 inches apart. On close-spaced plants, runners are controlled by removing unwanted runners during the first season. In August, rows should be 18 to 24 inches wide with plants 6 to 8 inches apart in the row. Rows are generally spaced 36 to 40 inches apart. A circular terrace can be used if space is limited.

For day-neutral strawberries, plants are set 8 to 12 inches apart in the row with 30 to 36 inches between rows. Remove runners throughout the first season and remove flowers during the first 6 weeks after planting. Mulch with 3 to 4 inches of straw or wood chips to conserve moisture.

Blossom Removal:

Remove the flower stalks of June-bearing strawberry plants as they appear throughout the first growing season. More production can be expected if the plants are allowed to attain large size before fruiting. Remove the blossoms of day-neutral types of plants as they appear until about the middle of June (first year only). Then allow flowers to set fruit for harvest during the remainder of the season (August through October).

Irrigation:

Additional watering is needed during dry seasons. Plants require 1 inch to 1.5 inches of water per week from mid-June to mid-August. Take care in watering that the soil does not remain soggy for any prolonged period.

Adapted from Gary Gao, Ohio State University Extension, 2000