DIY Network

Introduction to Strawberries Kelly Givens shares valuable tips on how to grow strawberries. From "Fresh From the Orchard" episode DFFO-101

(Continued from page 1)

Below is some more valuable information to help you grow the biggest strawberries on the block.

advertisement

	Use a pH meter to determine soil's pH.
	If you don't have a pH meter, send a soil sample to your local extension service.

Note on the Cooperative Extension Services

You may have noticed that we often refer you to your local cooperative extension service for additional information. Why? Because extension service agents are local experts, the ones right in your own neighborhood. They understand your local climate and growing conditions better than anyone else.

If you don't know how to get in contact with your local extension service, here is a website that will help you easily locate the extension service nearest you: www. csrees.usda.gov/Extension/.

Sun and Soil Requirements

Strawberries like plenty of sun--at least five or six hours a day--and loose, crumbly soil with a pH level of 6.0 to 6.5. To determine soil's pH, use a pH meter or send a soil sample to your local cooperative extension service.

The best way to fertilize is to follow the recommendations provided with the results of a soil test. If you choose not to have a soil test, sprinkle one to two cups of 10-10-10 evenly over every 25 square feet of the garden bed, then work it in to a depth of 8" or 10". This will ensure that the strawberries have enough nitrogen, potassium and phosphorous to get them off to a good start.

Planting Strawberries

If you are planting bare-root strawberry plants (figure A), keep the roots moist at all times and place the bare-rooted plants in a shallow container, filled with just enough water to cover the roots, for an hour or two before planting (figure B). When you are ready to plant, dig a small hole, fan out the roots, and put the plant so that its crown is even with the surrounding soil surface (figure C).

Figure A

Figure B

Figure C

Figure D

The crown is the point where the roots of the plant meet the leaves (figure D). If you plant the strawberries with the crown too high, the plants will dry out. But if you put the crown too low, the berries will probably rot.

If you are planting rooted strawberry plants, plant them at the same depth they were growing in the container.

Special Note: Growing Strawberries in Containers

Folks who don't have space for a berry patch can still have berries. The trick is to plant your strawberries in containers. Any container will work, but the most classic solution is to use a strawberry pot with side pockets (figure E).

1. To begin, add a few inches of moistened, lightweight soil mix to the bottom of the pot, up to the bottom of the first pocket (figure F). Lightly firm the soil with your hands, then add a touch more potting mix to raise it back up to the level of the lowest pocket. Tuck a strawberry plant in the pocket, setting it at a bit of an angle (figure G). Continue to add more soil to the height of each pocket, firming lightly each time and putting one strawberry plant in each pocket. Although you can plant any variety of strawberry in a pot, everbearing plants typically do better in containers than June-bearing plants (we planted a variety named Chandler).

Figure E

Figure F

Figure G

2. When you reach the top of the jar, plant one or two strawberries on top (figure H), then add some shredded hardwood mulch to give the pot a finished look. Water the pot well, watering from the top and watering each of the pockets as well (figure I). Given plenty of sun and lots of moisture, this pot will fill out beautifully and start producing berries in just a few months.

Figure H

Figure I

1 | 2