{"id":501,"date":"2023-03-15T00:00:00","date_gmt":"2023-03-15T07:00:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/gardeningeats.com\/?p=501"},"modified":"2023-06-27T11:48:13","modified_gmt":"2023-06-27T18:48:13","slug":"how-to-grow-strawberries","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/gardeningeats.com\/how-to-grow-strawberries\/","title":{"rendered":"How to Grow Strawberries &#8211; A Beginner&#8217;s Guide"},"content":{"rendered":"<p><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"data:image\/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAAAAACH5BAEKAAEALAAAAAABAAEAAAICTAEAOw==\" data-layzr=\"https:\/\/gardeningeats.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/01\/How-to-Grow-Strawberries.png\" alt=\"strawberries plant growing in garden\" title=\"\"><br \/>\nImagine the delight of plucking sweet, juicy strawberries right from your own garden! Known botanically as Fragaria Ananassa, strawberries are an easily cultivated fruit you can grow at home. Dive into this guide to learn the essentials of strawberry cultivation and sidestep common pitfalls along the way.<\/p>\n<div id=\"ez-toc-container\" class=\"ez-toc-v2_0_65 counter-hierarchy ez-toc-counter ez-toc-grey ez-toc-container-direction\">\n<div class=\"ez-toc-title-container\">\n<p class=\"ez-toc-title \" >Table of Contents<\/p>\n<span class=\"ez-toc-title-toggle\"><a href=\"#\" class=\"ez-toc-pull-right ez-toc-btn ez-toc-btn-xs ez-toc-btn-default ez-toc-toggle\" aria-label=\"Toggle Table of Content\"><span class=\"ez-toc-js-icon-con\"><span class=\"\"><span class=\"eztoc-hide\" style=\"display:none;\">Toggle<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-icon-toggle-span\"><svg style=\"fill: #999;color:#999\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" class=\"list-377408\" width=\"20px\" height=\"20px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" fill=\"none\"><path d=\"M6 6H4v2h2V6zm14 0H8v2h12V6zM4 11h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2zM4 16h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2z\" fill=\"currentColor\"><\/path><\/svg><svg style=\"fill: #999;color:#999\" class=\"arrow-unsorted-368013\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"10px\" height=\"10px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" version=\"1.2\" baseProfile=\"tiny\"><path d=\"M18.2 9.3l-6.2-6.3-6.2 6.3c-.2.2-.3.4-.3.7s.1.5.3.7c.2.2.4.3.7.3h11c.3 0 .5-.1.7-.3.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7zM5.8 14.7l6.2 6.3 6.2-6.3c.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7c-.2-.2-.4-.3-.7-.3h-11c-.3 0-.5.1-.7.3-.2.2-.3.5-.3.7s.1.5.3.7z\"\/><\/svg><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/a><\/span><\/div>\n<nav><ul class='ez-toc-list ez-toc-list-level-1 ' ><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-1\" href=\"https:\/\/gardeningeats.com\/how-to-grow-strawberries\/#Quick_Reference_Guide_for_Growing_Strawberries\" title=\"Quick Reference Guide for Growing Strawberries\">Quick Reference Guide for Growing Strawberries<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-2\" href=\"https:\/\/gardeningeats.com\/how-to-grow-strawberries\/#Best_Time_to_Plant_Strawberries\" title=\"Best Time to Plant Strawberries\">Best Time to Plant Strawberries<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-3\" href=\"https:\/\/gardeningeats.com\/how-to-grow-strawberries\/#How_to_Plant_Strawberries_the_Right_Way\" title=\"How to Plant Strawberries the Right Way\">How to Plant Strawberries the Right Way<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-4\" href=\"https:\/\/gardeningeats.com\/how-to-grow-strawberries\/#How_Much_Sunlight_is_Needed_to_Grow_Strawberries\" title=\"How Much Sunlight is Needed to Grow Strawberries\">How Much Sunlight is Needed to Grow Strawberries<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-5\" href=\"https:\/\/gardeningeats.com\/how-to-grow-strawberries\/#How_Much_to_Water_Strawberries\" title=\"How Much to Water Strawberries\">How Much to Water Strawberries<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-6\" href=\"https:\/\/gardeningeats.com\/how-to-grow-strawberries\/#How_Long_Does_it_Take_Strawberries_to_Germinate_and_Grow\" title=\"How Long Does it Take Strawberries to Germinate and Grow?\">How Long Does it Take Strawberries to Germinate and Grow?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-7\" href=\"https:\/\/gardeningeats.com\/how-to-grow-strawberries\/#When_to_Harvest_Strawberries\" title=\"When to Harvest Strawberries\">When to Harvest Strawberries<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-8\" href=\"https:\/\/gardeningeats.com\/how-to-grow-strawberries\/#What_Can_Strawberries_Be_Used_For\" title=\"What Can Strawberries Be Used For?\">What Can Strawberries Be Used For?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-9\" href=\"https:\/\/gardeningeats.com\/how-to-grow-strawberries\/#Can_Strawberries_Grow_in_Pots_and_Containers\" title=\"Can Strawberries Grow in Pots and Containers?\">Can Strawberries Grow in Pots and Containers?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-10\" href=\"https:\/\/gardeningeats.com\/how-to-grow-strawberries\/#Are_Strawberries_Safe_for_Bees\" title=\"Are Strawberries Safe for Bees?\">Are Strawberries Safe for Bees?<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/nav><\/div>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Quick_Reference_Guide_for_Growing_Strawberries\"><\/span>Quick Reference Guide for Growing Strawberries<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<table style=\"border: 1px solid black; border-collapse: collapse;\">\n<tbody>\n<tr style=\"background-color: #f2f2f2;\">\n<th style=\"border: 1px solid black; font-weight: bold; padding: 5px;\">Aspect<\/th>\n<th style=\"border: 1px solid black; font-weight: bold; padding: 5px;\">Details<\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td style=\"border: 1px solid black; font-weight: bold; padding: 5px;\">Best Time to Plant<\/td>\n<td style=\"border: 1px solid black; padding: 5px;\">Late April to end of May<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td style=\"border: 1px solid black; font-weight: bold; padding: 5px;\">Soil<\/td>\n<td style=\"border: 1px solid black; padding: 5px;\">Deep, sandy loam soil, rich in organic matter, pH 5.4 to 6.5<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td style=\"border: 1px solid black; font-weight: bold; padding: 5px;\">Plant Spacing<\/td>\n<td style=\"border: 1px solid black; padding: 5px;\">18 to 24 inches apart, 3 inches apart in rows, 8 inches between rows<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td style=\"border: 1px solid black; font-weight: bold; padding: 5px;\">Sunlight<\/td>\n<td style=\"border: 1px solid black; padding: 5px;\">Full sun, at least 6 hours or more<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td style=\"border: 1px solid black; font-weight: bold; padding: 5px;\">Water<\/td>\n<td style=\"border: 1px solid black; padding: 5px;\">Soil should be damp to touch<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td style=\"border: 1px solid black; font-weight: bold; padding: 5px;\">Germination and Growth<\/td>\n<td style=\"border: 1px solid black; padding: 5px;\">9-12 days to germinate, 90-110 days from seed to harvest<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td style=\"border: 1px solid black; font-weight: bold; padding: 5px;\">Harvest<\/td>\n<td style=\"border: 1px solid black; padding: 5px;\">When at least three quarters of the fruit&#8217;s surface has changed from green to red<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td style=\"border: 1px solid black; font-weight: bold; padding: 5px;\">Container Growing<\/td>\n<td style=\"border: 1px solid black; padding: 5px;\">Yes, use a 14+ inch container for each plant<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td style=\"border: 1px solid black; font-weight: bold; padding: 5px;\">Bee Safety<\/td>\n<td style=\"border: 1px solid black; padding: 5px;\">Strawberries are safe for bees<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Best_Time_to_Plant_Strawberries\"><\/span>Best Time to Plant Strawberries<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>Although the ideal planting time depends on your local climate, a good rule of thumb is to plant strawberry seeds between late April and the end of May. This timing gives seedlings the best chance to withstand weather conditions. To determine the most suitable planting time in your area, consult the <a href=\"https:\/\/planthardiness.ars.usda.gov\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map<\/a>. For those outside the US, search for &#8220;plant hardiness zone + [city].&#8221;<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"How_to_Plant_Strawberries_the_Right_Way\"><\/span>How to Plant Strawberries the Right Way<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>By considering several crucial factors, you can avoid common mistakes when growing strawberries in your home garden.<\/p>\n<p>First and foremost, don&#8217;t underestimate the importance of soil. Aim for deep, sandy loam soil that&#8217;s rich in organic matter. <a href=\"https:\/\/www.esf.edu\/pubprog\/brochure\/soilph\/soilph.htm\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Soil pH levels<\/a> should fall between 5.4 and 6.5.<\/p>\n<p>Space plants 18 to 24 inches apart, with seeds about 3 inches apart in rows and approximately 8 inches between rows. Sow seeds at a depth of 0.125 to 0.25 inches, planting several seeds per hole to ensure at least one germinates. Thin seedlings to one plant every 8 inches once they reach a couple of inches in height.<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"How_Much_Sunlight_is_Needed_to_Grow_Strawberries\"><\/span>How Much Sunlight is Needed to Grow Strawberries<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>Striking the right balance of sunlight is essential for a successful harvest. Too much sun can dry out your strawberries, while too little can stunt growth or kill the plant.<\/p>\n<p>Provide your strawberries with full sun, which means giving them as much sunlight as possible, or at least 6 hours or more daily.<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"How_Much_to_Water_Strawberries\"><\/span>How Much to Water Strawberries<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>Like other factors, the amount of water you provide greatly affects the success of your strawberry plants.<\/p>\n<p>Keep the soil damp to the touch, neither soggy nor bone dry. If the leaves begin to change color or appear droopy, adjust your watering. Monitoring your plants and watering as needed is the best approach, as both over- and under-watering can be fatal.<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"How_Long_Does_it_Take_Strawberries_to_Germinate_and_Grow\"><\/span>How Long Does it Take Strawberries to Germinate and Grow?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>Now comes the exciting part: watching your strawberries grow! Expect germination to occur in approximately 9 to 12 days, with a total of 90 to 110 days from seed to harvest.<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"When_to_Harvest_Strawberries\"><\/span>When to Harvest Strawberries<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>Harvest your strawberries when at least three-quarters of the fruit&#8217;s surface has changed from green to red. Fully grown strawberries can reach up to 2 inches long and over an inch in diameter.<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"What_Can_Strawberries_Be_Used_For\"><\/span>What Can Strawberries Be Used For?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p><strong>Food Use:<\/strong> Perfect for making delectable strawberry jam.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Flavor Profile:<\/strong> Fresh, wild strawberry taste.<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Can_Strawberries_Grow_in_Pots_and_Containers\"><\/span>Can Strawberries Grow in Pots and Containers?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>Absolutely! Use a container with a diameter of at least 14 inches for each plant. Containers help control weeds and prevent your plants from becoming unmanageable. Plus, you&#8217;ll have the flexibility to move your strawberries as needed to optimize sunlight or bring them indoors to protect against harsh weather conditions.<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Are_Strawberries_Safe_for_Bees\"><\/span>Are Strawberries Safe for Bees?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>Rest assured, strawberries are safe for bees. According to <a href=\"https:\/\/www.greenpeace.org\/usa\/sustainable-agriculture\/save-the-bees\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">GreenPeace.org<\/a>, bees pollinate human food crops that comprise about 90% of the world&#8217;s nutrition. Given their vital role in our ecosystem and food supply, it&#8217;s worth noting that cultivating strawberries is bee-friendly.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Imagine the delight of plucking sweet, juicy strawberries right from your own garden! Known botanically as Fragaria Ananassa, strawberries are an easily cultivated fruit you can grow at home. Dive into this guide to learn the essentials of strawberry cultivation and sidestep common pitfalls along the way. Quick Reference Guide for Growing Strawberries Aspect Details Best Time to Plant Late April to end of May Soil Deep, sandy loam soil, rich in organic matter, pH 5.4 to 6.5 Plant Spacing 18 to 24 inches apart, 3 inches apart in rows, 8 inches between rows Sunlight Full sun, at least 6 <\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":381,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"om_disable_all_campaigns":false,"_monsterinsights_skip_tracking":false,"_monsterinsights_sitenote_active":false,"_monsterinsights_sitenote_note":"","_monsterinsights_sitenote_category":0,"footnotes":""},"categories":[231,18],"tags":[22,91],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/gardeningeats.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/501"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/gardeningeats.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/gardeningeats.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/gardeningeats.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/gardeningeats.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=501"}],"version-history":[{"count":6,"href":"https:\/\/gardeningeats.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/501\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":1583,"href":"https:\/\/gardeningeats.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/501\/revisions\/1583"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/gardeningeats.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/381"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/gardeningeats.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=501"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/gardeningeats.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=501"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/gardeningeats.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=501"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}