Step-by-Step Guide: How to Plant Bare Root Strawberries for Maximum Yield and Sweetness!

If you’re looking to add a burst of flavor and vibrant color to your garden, planting strawberries is a fantastic choice. And when it comes to planting strawberries, bare root options offer a unique advantage. This method allows you to get your hands on a wider variety of cultivars, often at a lower cost than potted plants. But the question remains, how to plant bare root strawberries? This guide will walk you through the process step by step, ensuring a fruitful and delicious harvest.

Choosing the Right Variety

The first step in your strawberry planting journey is choosing the right variety. Bare root strawberries come in a wide array of flavors, colors, and growth habits. Here’s a breakdown to help you make the perfect selection:

• June-bearing: These varieties produce a large crop of strawberries in a concentrated period during June. They are known for their large size and sweet flavor. Popular June-bearing varieties include ‘Allstar,’ ‘Chandler,’ and ‘Earliglow.’
• Everbearing: As their name suggests, everbearing strawberries produce fruit throughout the growing season, with a main crop in June and smaller harvests in the fall. They are ideal for continuous berry production. Popular everbearing varieties include ‘Tribute,’ ‘Seascape,’ and ‘Ozark Beauty.’
• Day-neutral: These varieties produce fruit throughout the growing season, regardless of the day length. They are excellent for continuous harvesting and are known for their adaptability. Popular day-neutral varieties include ‘Albion,’ ‘Evie,’ and ‘Mara des Bois.’

Consider your climate, growing space, and desired harvest time when making your selection.

Preparing Your Planting Site

The success of your strawberry plants depends heavily on the quality of your planting site. Here’s how to prepare the perfect spot:

• Sunlight: Strawberries thrive in full sun, receiving at least 6 hours of direct sunlight per day. Choose a location that’s open and well-lit.
• Soil: Strawberries prefer well-drained, slightly acidic soil with a pH between 6.0 and 6.5. Before planting, amend your soil with organic matter like compost or aged manure to improve drainage and fertility.
• Spacing: Allow adequate spacing between your plants to ensure proper air circulation and prevent disease. For June-bearing varieties, plant them 18-24 inches apart. For everbearing and day-neutral varieties, space them 12-18 inches apart.

Planting Your Bare Root Strawberries

Now comes the fun part – planting your bare root strawberries. Follow these steps for a successful planting:

1. Soak the roots: Before planting, soak the bare root strawberries in a bucket of cool water for 30-60 minutes. This will rehydrate the roots and prepare them for planting.
2. Dig the holes: Dig planting holes that are slightly wider and deeper than the roots.
3. Position the plant: Place the strawberry plant in the hole, ensuring the crown (where the roots meet the stems) is level with the soil surface.
4. Backfill the hole: Gently backfill the hole with soil, ensuring the roots are well-covered. Firm the soil around the plant to secure it in place.
5. Water thoroughly: Once planted, water your strawberries deeply to settle the soil and promote root growth.

Caring for Your Strawberry Plants

Once your bare root strawberries are planted, they require regular care to thrive. Follow these tips for healthy growth and bountiful harvests:

• Watering: Strawberries need consistent moisture, especially during the dry season. Water deeply and regularly, allowing the soil to dry slightly between waterings.
• Mulching: Apply a layer of organic mulch, such as straw or wood chips, around your strawberry plants. Mulch helps retain soil moisture, suppress weeds, and regulate soil temperature.
• Fertilizing: Feed your strawberries with a balanced fertilizer every 4-6 weeks during the growing season. Avoid using fertilizers high in nitrogen, as this can encourage leaf growth at the expense of fruit production.
• Weeding: Regularly remove weeds from around your strawberry plants to prevent competition for nutrients and water.
• Pest control: Monitor your strawberry plants for pests like aphids, spider mites, and slugs. Use organic pest control methods, such as insecticidal soap or neem oil, to address any infestations.
• Disease prevention: Ensure good air circulation and avoid overwatering to prevent fungal diseases. If you notice any signs of disease, remove affected plants and dispose of them properly.

Harvesting Your Delicious Strawberries

The moment you’ve been waiting for – harvesting your ripe strawberries! Here’s how to ensure you get the sweetest, juiciest berries:

• Timing: Harvest your strawberries when they are fully ripe, displaying their characteristic red color and a slightly soft texture.
• Picking: Gently pick the strawberries, twisting them off the plant at the stem. Avoid pulling or tugging, which can damage the plant.
• Enjoyment: Once harvested, enjoy your fresh strawberries immediately or store them in the refrigerator for up to a week.

A Sweet Farewell: Your Strawberry Journey Continues

Planting bare root strawberries is an enjoyable and rewarding experience. By following these steps, you’ll be well on your way to a bountiful harvest of delicious and juicy berries. Remember, patience and consistent care are key to success. With a little time and effort, you’ll be savoring the sweet rewards of your hard work for years to come.

Answers to Your Most Common Questions

Q: When is the best time to plant bare root strawberries?

A: The best time to plant bare root strawberries is during the dormant season, typically in the fall or early spring. This allows the plants to establish strong roots before the summer heat arrives.

Q: How long does it take for bare root strawberries to produce fruit?

A: It generally takes about 12-18 months for bare root strawberries to produce their first full harvest. However, some varieties may produce a few berries within the first year.

Q: Can I plant bare root strawberries in containers?

A: Yes, you can plant bare root strawberries in containers. Choose a container that is at least 12 inches wide and deep, and ensure it has drainage holes.

Q: What should I do with the strawberry runners?

A: Strawberry runners are the long stems that grow from the mother plant and produce new plants. You can either remove the runners to encourage larger fruit production on the mother plant or allow them to root and create new plants.

Q: What are some common problems with bare root strawberries?

A: Some common problems with bare root strawberries include diseases like leaf spot and powdery mildew, pests like aphids and spider mites, and improper watering. It’s important to monitor your plants regularly and address any issues promptly.