How to Grow Strawberries At Home

Regular watering of strawberry plants is necessary during the growing season. Keep them hydrated and away from weeds. Strawberries tend to be perennials so plant them far apart. Also, make sure that their roots are well covered. Strawberries are susceptible to weeds. Make sure to mulch your strawberries well in the winter. Make sure the soil is firm, and weeds should not grow in your strawberry bed. The weeds can cause your strawberry plants to lose water and nutrients.

Strawberry plants need about one inch of water daily, so it is important to keep them well-watered. A dripper hose can be used to supply the necessary water for your plants. Avoid overwatering strawberries as it can damage them. For the first few days, ensure that strawberries get enough sunlight. After three days, the strawberry plants will be ready to go.

Strawberry plants prefer temperatures between 50-80 degrees Fahrenheit. Strawberry plants are sensitive to frost and can wither at lower temperatures. Strawberries grow best in a pot or container, so don't use them in the ground unless you have room for them. They will thrive in partial or full sun. If you don’t have enough space, consider growing strawberry “plants” in raised garden beds or in vertical planters. These are quick-draining and easy to maintain.

After the first year, remove all runners that have developed from your strawberry plant. Once they have produced runners, they can be planted in pots or somewhere else in the garden. These runners will eventually cease fruiting, so you should cut them off. If you wish to extend the strawberry plant's harvest, you can trim them when they begin growing. Sow the strawberry plants in the autumn, before the ground gets wet. This will give them plenty of time to establish their roots before the cold winter months set.

In order to ensure a healthy harvest, make sure to protect the strawberry plants from birds and other pests. If you're growing strawberries at your home, you can use birds nets with some companion plants such as garlic and onions. The strong scents will deter pests and insects. Another way to protect your strawberry plants is by planting leafy greens in the border around them. These will keep birds, worms, and other pests away.

Your strawberry plants can be planted in containers in spring and fall. This will give your strawberry plants an additional six months of growth, and allow you to plant stronger roots. Additionally, it is a good idea to add aged compost to the soil if you plan on planting strawberries in containers. The premium mix will ensure that your strawberries are getting the nutrients they need. You can even transplant them into hanging planters if they have grown well in pots. Plant them in the fall to enjoy the summer or spring.

FAQ

How do I know what type of soil I have?

The color of the soil can tell you how much organic matter it contains. Organic matter is more abundant in dark soils than those with lighter colors. You can also do soil tests. These tests are used to determine the quantity of nutrients in soil.

What amount of sunlight does a plant require?

It depends upon the type of plant. Some plants require 12 hours of direct sunlight per day. Some plants prefer 8 hours of direct sunlight. Most vegetables need at least 10 hours of direct sunlight per 24-hour time period.

How do you prepare the soil?

Preparing soil is simple for a vegetable garden. First, remove all weeds in the area where you plan to plant vegetables. Then, add organic matter such as composted manure, leaves, grass clippings, straw, or wood chips. Finally, water well and wait until plants sprout.

Statistics

• 80% of residents spent a lifetime as large-scale farmers (or working on farms) using many chemicals believed to be cancerous today. (acountrygirlslife.com)
• Most tomatoes and peppers will take 6-8 weeks to reach transplant size so plan according to your climate! - ufseeds.com
• As the price of fruit and vegetables is expected to rise by 8% after Brexit, the idea of growing your own is now better than ever. (countryliving.com)
• Today, 80 percent of all corn grown in North America is from GMO seed that is planted and sprayed with Roundup. - parkseed.com

External Links

almanac.com

• First and last Frost Dates by Zip Code

planthardiness.ars.usda.gov

• USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map

How To

How can I keep weeds away from my vegetable gardens?

Growing healthy vegetables is difficult because of weeds. They are a threat to water, nutrients and sunlight as well as for space. These tips can help prevent them taking over your garden.

1. Take out all flowering plants
2. Take out any plant debris from the base of your plant
3. Use mulch
4. Get enough water
5. Rotate crops
6. Don't allow the grass to grow too long
7. Keep soil moist
8. Plant early
9. Harvest often
10. Add compost
11. Avoid using chemical pesticides
12. Get organic vegetables
13. Get heirloom seed
14. Start small
15. Learn about companion planting
16. Be patient
17. Enjoy gardening!