How to grow strawberries at home: Gardener’s top tip for growing strawberries ensures a healthy crop in spring

Strawberries are one of the easiest fruits to grow at home whether you’ve got a balcony or large backyard.

There are a few things you need to get right though if you want to give them their best chance, according to Luke Maitland, horticulturalist and director of Native Grace Nursery.

Timing is important so if you want to eat strawberries by spring then autumn is when you should plant, but other times of year are OK too.

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“Autumn is generally favoured for planting; you are away from the extremes of summer heat whilst soil temperature is still warm. This generally provides a ‘stress-free’ environment for plants to get established and ready to produce fruit in [spring],” he tells 9honey Living.

“Generally you can plant outside the season depending on your location [but] it may affect first crop if they don’t get going in time.”

To get your strawberries started you have a choice of bare root runners, seedlings or pot plants.

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Maitland’s preference for autumn growing is runners as they get growing quickly for good spring crops and are more cost-effective.

“The downside [to bare root runners] is they need to be planted soon after purchasing and can look a little ‘sad’ at first,” he says.

“Buying potted plants already established can be planted a little later in autumn and in the early spring. They suffer less chance of transplant shock but they are more expensive.”

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Once you’ve selected your seedlings, runners or potted strawberries you’ll need some soil.

For raised garden beds Maitland recommends something with good drainage that’s slightly acidic with organic matter and mulching after planting.

If you’re growing strawberries in pots use premium potting mix and add compost. Place your pot on pot feet to help improve drainage.

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Before you start putting your strawberries in the ground or pot, pay attention to how close you’re placing them as this will make a huge difference to the health of your plant and the crops it produces.

“Overplanting can result in issues as plants develop. Good airflow minimises fungal issues, better sunlight will give better fruit. Aim to space them around 40cm apart in a bed or one plant per 200mm pot,” Maitland explains.

In terms of sunlight, “pick a spot that has morning sun and not too much afternoon sun.”

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Watering is another thing to take special care with as strawberry plants like moist soil but it shouldn’t be soggy or waterlogged. After watering them well following planting, check every one to two days is advised or weekly for mulched plants.

”Overwatering can lead to ongoing problems so always be mindful of if they need water and when you water,” he says.

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Fertiliser can help give the plants a boost but doesn’t need to be applied straight away if you get the base right.

“Using a good quality compost and well broken down manure in the soil is a great foundation. Giving an additional seaweed application as they are actively growing will also help them thrive [and] a late winter application of a blood and bone will help set them up for a bursting spring.”

And if you do all of that you’re basically set to have your own strawberries to eat in a few months time.

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But pests and diseases are something that plagues all gardeners so Maitland shared a few top tips to prevent them.

“Maintaining good airflow around the plants, minimising overhead watering [and] water in the morning to allow leaves to dry during the day will reduce fungal issues. Mulching well around them eliminating direct contact with the soil of the leaves and fruit [will also help],” he says.

If things go well and your strawberry plant thrives for years to come Maitland’s final tip is to “to give the strawberry crop a good overhaul every three to four years” and “don’t be afraid to try different varieties”.

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