Planting, Growing, And Harvesting Strawberries At Home

• Gray Mold
• Powdery Mildew
• Japanese Beetles
• Spider Mites
• Slugs

Pest-Beating Tips

• Watch out for birds! Netting is one option to physically keep them off developing fruits; make sure it’s in place before the fruits start to swell and color up.
• The other pest to watch out for is slugs. Set up slug traps among your plants or, for more organic slug-control tips, use beer traps. Spread sand over the strawberry bed to deter slugs (This also works well for lettuce). Pine needles also foil slug and pill-bug damage.
• For bigger bugs such as Japanese beetles, spray your plants with puréed garlic and neem seed oil.
• The other thing to watch out for is frost early on in the season when plants are flowering. Strawberries are super-hardy, but if a frost gets at the flowers, they’ll turn to a blackened mush and won’t be viable. So, cover flowering plants with row covers or cloches should a frosty night threaten.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take to grow strawberries?

Most strawberry plants produce fruit within one growing season. June-bearing varieties typically produce a full harvest the year after planting, while everbearing and day-neutral types may produce lightly in their first year.

Can strawberries grow in containers?

Absolutely. Strawberries grow very well in pots, hanging baskets, and raised beds. Just make sure containers have good drainage and use high-quality potting mix.

Should you remove runners from strawberry plants?

If you want larger fruit, remove most runners so the plant directs energy into berry production. If you want more plants, allow some runners to root and establish.

Do strawberries come back every year?

Yes. Most garden strawberries are perennials and will return for several years with proper care, though productivity often peaks in years two and three.

When are strawberries ready to harvest?

Pick strawberries when they are fully red and slightly soft to the touch. Unlike some fruits, they do not ripen after being picked.