Strawberries are one of the quickest and easiest berry fruits to grow. The plants themselves are very attractive, bearing delicate white flowers which later transform into deliciously sweet fruit. Perfect for kids to watch grow and pick fresh from the garden.
Planting Calendar
Strawberries are best planted from June to November this is when plants are available in store.
Prepare
Position
Strawberries like plenty of sun and a free draining soil rich in organic matter.
Soil
When planted into the ground Strawberries like a free draining soil that is rich in organic matter. To improve the organic content in your soil, break up the soil and add Kings Compost and Kings Sheep Pellets then mix together well. When growing in containers, plant into Strawberry mix, especially formulated with all the nutrients for healthy juicy strawberries.
Plant
Plant into a weed free bed. For best results slightly mound your beds to improve drainage. Leave 30-45cm between each plant. Mulch heavily around each plant with straw. When planting into the ground, gently tap the plant out of its pot. Dig a hole twice the depth and width of the plants root ball. Mix Kings Compost into your existing soil at a 50/50 ratio, add Sheep Pellets and Kings Strawberry Food, then mix together well. Back fill the hole with this soil, so that when planted the top of the plant’s roots sit level with the surrounding ground. Firm the soil down gently and water in well with Aquaticus Organic Garden Booster. Add Saturaid to the soil at planting, this will help channel water deep down to the roots. In heavier clay soils, where drainage is likely to be an issue, plant onto a raised mound and sprinkle Gypsum Clay Breaker into the bottom of the hole, this helps slowly condition the soil and will help to break down the clay. When planting into containers or baskets plant in Strawberry Mix which is especially formulated for strawberries. Firm the soil down gently and water in well with Aquaticus Organic Garden Booster.
Care
Watering
Water slowly allowing the water to sink down into the roots, rather than allowing it to run off the top of the soils surface. If planted in pots never allow the pot to sit in water. Always try to water early morning, this will give the leaves a chance to dry out before night fall reducing chances of disease. Try not to water the leaves if in direct sunlight as they will burn. If planted in baskets water daily, if in pots or the ground, water every second day.
Feeding
If planted in the ground feed plants every 6 weeks with Kings Strawberry Food or for an Organic option, feed with Grosafe Ocean Fert. If growing in containers feed with Yates Thrive Strawberry Food.
Protecting
Protect against birds by covering fruit with bird netting as it starts to ripen.
Mulching
From spring through till summer keep garden beds well mulched with straw, especially when the strawberries start fruiting. Make sure that the fruit sits up off the ground otherwise they my rot.
General Care
When using sprays, chemicals or fertilisers always read the label and follow the instructions. Apply sprays in the evening to avoid harming beneficial insects.
Beginner Tip
In late summer the strawberry plants will send off ‘runners’. These will root and form new plants that you can separate to expand your strawberry patch. If they produce these runners while still producing fruit, cut them off instead as the fruiting will be significantly poorer.
Expert Tip
Strawberry plants will fruit year after year, although crops are usually bigger in their first year and gradually reduce each season. After the second year we recommend replacing them for new plants to continue to receive good crops of large fruit.
Tip
Protect against birds by covering fruits with bird netting as it starts to ripen
Top Varieties
Pajaro
Pajoro is a vigorous grower and a heavy yielder, producing large firm fruit with a good flavour.
Camarosa
Camarosa is another heavy yielder that produces medium sized fruit with good flavour. Often producing a smaller and early crop then producing is main crop later in the season.
Chandler
Chandler produces large, firm-medium sized fruit in abundance. Sometimes producing one early, small crop then its main, larger crop later in the season.
Frequently Asked Questions
When is the best time to plant strawberries?
The best time to plant strawberries is during early spring, from late August to October. This allows the plants to establish before the warmer summer months.
How often should I water my strawberry plants?
Water slowly allowing the water to sink down into the roots, rather than allowing it to run off the top of the soils surface. If planted in pots never allow the pot to sit in water. Always try to water early morning, this will give the leaves a chance to dry out before night fall reducing chances of disease. Try not to water the leaves if in direct sunlight as they will burn. If planted in baskets water daily, if in pots or the ground, water every second day.
How can I protect my strawberries from pests and diseases?
Use netting to protect strawberries from birds and apply straw mulch to prevent soil-borne diseases. Regularly inspect plants for pests like aphids and slugs, and use organic sprays or traps as needed.
When are strawberries ready to be harvested?
Strawberries will be ready to harvest in approximately 11 weeks depending on weather and temperature.
What kind of soil do strawberries prefer?
When planted into the ground Strawberries like a free draining soil that is rich in organic matter. To improve the organic content in your soil, break up the soil and add Kings Compost and Kings Sheep Pellets then mix together well. When growing in containers, plant into Strawberry mix, especially formulated with all the nutrients for healthy juicy strawberries.
