Growing Strawberries

Do you like strawberries and do you want to have them at home all the time? Then why not try growing them yourself?! Strawberries are incredibly easy to grow. Strawberry plants can be grown almost anywhere – in borders, containers or hanging baskets.

Strawberries are a perennial summertime favorite. There are hundreds of different named varieties of strawberries, with more being introduced every year. Pick the plants that produce the fruit you prefer. We have selected some delicious varieties of strawberries in our shop but you can also buy little plants. Spring in the perfect time to start! 

Direct to the strawberry seeds >

Growing strawberries 

When you start strawberries from seed (February), you'll want to keep them indoors in the early spring to help them along until the last frost has passed ( may ). Simply press the seeds into a moist potting medium in seed starter trays, and allow several weeks for germination.

They should be kept in a bright place, with an ideal temperature between 20°C and 24°C.

Sowing strawberries

If you start with seeds you will see them germinate after about 10 to 15 days. It is important to thin out (repot) the plants and remove the weaker plants. 

What is the best place to plant strawberries?

When planting strawberries, choose a spot with full sun. In warm regions, try to provide morning sun with some shade protection during the hottest part of the day. Soil should have excellent drainage. Plant the strawberry plants 30-45cm apart, in rows 75cm apart, so their roots are just buried, and firm the soil around them. Water in well and keep well watered for the first few weeks as they establish.

Growing strawberries in pots or outdoors?

Strawberries grow very well in pots, window boxes, hanging baskets, growing bags and strawberry planters as well as in the ground, but make sure they get 8 or more hours of sun and are planted in slightly acidic soil with a pH of 5.5 to 6.8.

Growing Strawberries in Gutters

There are definitely benefits to growing strawberries in gutters. People are growing strawberries in gutters so they are off the ground, so the rain and soil don’t rot them. They are cleaner and look beautiful. Which is a major benefit! Growing strawberries in gutters is also a great idea for people with back and knee problems. 

Harvesting strawberries 

Wait until the berries are fully red all over before harvesting, as they do not continue to ripen once picked. Simply pinch through the stalks with your finger and thumb to avoid bruising the fruit. As strawberries are perishable, it’s best to eat them straight from the plant, ideally still warm from the sun. You can store unwashed fruit for a few days in the fridge.

Strawberry plants generally fruit well for around three or four years before they begin to run out of steam. They’re easy to propagate from runners, though, so you’ll always have a fresh stock of new plants.

Protection 

Humans aren’t the only creatures that love to nibble on strawberries. Netting may be required to protect from birds.

Use a straw mulch to keep ripening strawberry fruits clean. Protecting strawberry plants from winter's cold temperatures is vital to ensure a crop of juicy berries next year.

Go to the assortment of strawberry seeds >