Growing strawberries in the home garden, Plant spacing
- Shidonna Raven
- 2 days ago
- 3 min read
Source: University of Minnesota Ext.
Photo Source: Unsplash,
Site selection
Lower disease and insect pest pressure by choosing the right site to grow strawberries.
Choose a site away from trees and buildings that cast shade for more than a few hours each day.
Trees will compete for water and nutrients and cast shade, so the strawberry bed should lay beyond the root zone of large trees. The root zone is roughly the same size as the canopy of a tree.
Strawberries should be planted in well-drained soil that does not accumulate standing water following a heavy rainstorm.
Planting on higher ground minimizes frost damage while increasing air circulation around the strawberry plants.
Good air circulation allows the berries to dry out faster, reducing the incidence of some diseases.
Plant spacing
If planting a large number of strawberries plant in rows. This makes it easier to control weeds, runners and pests.
There are many methods of row planting that work well for strawberries, but by far the most common method is the matted row system:
Space plants 18 to 24 inches apart.
Space rows 3 to 4 feet apart.
June-bearing plants especially will send out many runners throughout the season and fill in the space between plants, so it's important to go with the recommended spacing, otherwise, your plants will quickly become overcrowded.
Strawberries in the landscape
Strawberries don't need to be planted in rows when incorporated into the home landscape.
Day-neutral types work well at the front of a perennial border or along a sidewalk or driveway. Because they produce fewer runners than June-bearing types, maintenance is minimal.
Strawberry plants may also be grown as a ground cover.
To grow a strawberry ground cover, space the mother plants in a grid, either 1 x 1 foot or 2 x 2 feet.
The planting will require regular weeding, especially in the first year, but maintenance should be minimal after the plants are established.
Strawberries grown as a ground cover may not produce as much fruit as those grown in rows, but the plants will add a beautiful touch to your landscape.
Planting depth
Plant dormant strawberry transplants in spring when the soil is warm enough to easily get a trowel into. Potted plants should be planted soon after purchase after the risk of frost is past.
It is important to plant dormant transplants at the right depth.
If the crowns are planted too shallow they lose water and can die.
If the crowns are planted too deeply the leaves may not be able to emerge from the soil.
If planting a growing plant bought from a nursery or garden center, simply plant at the same depth the plant was in the container.
Shidonna Raven Garden & Cook How to: Clean Cooking & Eating
Source: Evergreen Botany
How can you introduce more (organic or natural) fresh vegetables and fruits into your diet? How could this impact the environment? How could a home garden contribute to your and your family's over all health?
Share the wealth of health with your colleagues and friends by sharing this article with 3 people today.
If this article was helpful to you, donate to the Shidonna Raven Garden and Cook E-Magazine Today. Thank you in advance.
Comments