Growing strawberries is easy once you know how. Here's a primer on how to grow these nutritional powerhouses in your own garden.
- Choose the right location: Strawberries grow best in a location that gets full sun for most of the day. The soil should be well-draining and fertile.
- Prepare the soil: Before planting, prepare the soil by adding organic matter, such as compost or aged manure, to improve soil structure and fertility.
- Plant the strawberries: Plant the strawberry crowns (the part of the plant that will produce leaves and fruit) in the soil, making sure the crown is at the soil level. Space the plants about 18-24 inches apart in rows that are 3-4 feet apart.
- Water the plants: Water the plants immediately after planting, and then water them regularly, making sure the soil stays moist but not waterlogged.
- Mulch the plants: Once the plants have been watered, mulch around the plants with straw or shredded leaves to help retain moisture and suppress weed growth.
- Fertilize the plants: Apply a balanced fertilizer (such as a 10-10-10) once the plants start to grow, and then again every 4-6 weeks during the growing season.
- Harvest the strawberries: Harvest the ripe strawberries as they become ready by gently picking them from the plants. This will encourage the plants to produce more fruit.