DIY Network

Growing Strawberries Growing Strawberries From "Ask DIY Gardening" episode DADG-101

Q: How can I grow strawberries and keep the rabbits from eating them?

A: (Walter Reeves) There are a few things you can do to make sure you get a good crop of strawberries. Today I’ll show the best way to plant and care for your strawberry plants so they yield you a good crop.

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• There are three types of strawberries: the ever-bearers, the June-bearers and the alpine type. The ever-bearers grow fruit during spring, summer and fall; the June-bearers produce fruit only in late spring and early summer. Alpines produce fruit about 90 days after being planted, and the fruit is small but flavorful.

• Strawberries are perennials but often have trouble coming back because of poor soil. So they are likely candidates for planter boxes or strawberry jars -- away from bugs and soil diseases.

• If the climate is hot and sunny during the day and much cooler at night, your strawberries will grow well and have a much sweeter flavor. If your all-around temps are cooler, your strawberries will be firmer than those grow in humid temps.

• Plant some plants. If planting in the ground, keep plants about a foot apart from each other. Plant so that the upper part of the crown is slightly above ground level. Strawberry plants have shallow roots so they need moisture throughout the growing season. Runners should be removed except where needed as plant replacements.

• Keep the soil moist.

• Fertilize three times a year.

• Finally, keep the pests away. First of all, don't mulch -- mulch provides a hiding place for snails and slugs, which love strawberries! Use chicken wire to keep birds and rabbits away from the plants.
  

  ALSO IN THIS EPISODE:
  	Growing Strawberries
  	Ladybugs, Chamomile and Chives, Oh My!
  	Shade Gardening
  	African Violets