Is there anything more rewarding than picking fresh, sun-warmed strawberries straight from your own garden? Whether you’re a seasoned gardener or just getting started, strawberries are one of the easiest—and most delicious—fruits to grow. With just a little prep and care, you’ll be well on your way to a bountiful berry harvest.

Choosing the Right Strawberry Variety

Before you start planting, it’s important to choose the right type of strawberry for your garden. There are three main kinds:

June-bearing varieties produce one large crop in late spring or early summer.
Everbearing types give you two to three smaller harvests throughout the growing season.
Day-neutral varieties produce consistently all summer long, perfect if you want a steady stream of berries.

If you’re short on space or planting in containers, day-neutral or everbearing types are usually best.

Preparing Your Soil

Strawberries love rich, well-draining soil with a slightly acidic pH (around 5.5–6.5). Pick a sunny spot—at least 6 to 8 hours of sunlight daily—and clear the area of weeds, rocks, and old roots. Work compost or aged manure into the top few inches of soil to boost nutrients. Raised beds or containers are also great options if your native soil is too heavy or clay-rich.

Planting Your Strawberries

Plant strawberries in early spring, as soon as the soil is workable. Space them about 12–18 inches apart, in rows 2 feet apart, to allow for airflow and room to spread. Be careful not to bury the crown of the plant (that’s the part where the roots meet the leaves)—it should sit just at soil level to prevent rot.

Water the plants thoroughly after planting and mulch around them with straw, pine needles, or shredded leaves. This helps retain moisture, suppress weeds, and keep berries clean as they grow.

Caring for Your Plants

Strawberries are relatively low-maintenance, but they do need consistent watering—especially when they’re flowering and fruiting. Aim for about an inch of water per week. Remove runners (those long stems trying to spread) if you want your plants to focus energy on producing fruit rather than spreading.

Feed your strawberries with a balanced fertilizer or compost tea every few weeks. Watch for common pests like slugs, aphids, and birds. A lightweight net can help protect ripening fruit from hungry wildlife.

The First Harvest

For the best results, pinch off any flowers that appear in the first few weeks after planting. It might feel counterintuitive, but it encourages the plants to establish strong roots and will reward you with a more robust harvest later on.

When the berries turn fully red, pick them early in the morning for the best flavor and texture. Store them unwashed in the fridge—or better yet, eat them right away!

Planting strawberries is a sweet investment in your garden. With just a little patience and care, you’ll be enjoying juicy, homegrown berries all summer long—and maybe even into next year. Happy planting! 🍓