What To Know
- Plant the crown of the plant (where the roots meet the leaves) at or slightly above soil level.
- Apply a 2-4 inch layer of organic mulch, such as straw or wood chips, around the plants to conserve moisture, suppress weeds, and moderate soil temperature.
- In areas with harsh winters, apply a thick layer of mulch (6-8 inches) around the plants to protect the crowns from freezing.
Everbearing strawberries are a gardener’s dream come true. Unlike their June-bearing cousins, these delightful plants produce multiple crops throughout the growing season, offering a continuous supply of juicy, sweet berries from spring to fall. If you’re eager to learn how to grow everbearing strawberry and enjoy a steady stream of fresh fruit, this guide is for you.
Choosing the Right Variety
The first step towards successful everbearing strawberry cultivation is selecting the right variety. There are two main types of everbearing strawberries:
- Day-neutral: These varieties produce fruit regardless of day length, making them ideal for warm climates. They typically produce larger, more flavorful berries than June-bearing strawberries. Popular day-neutral varieties include ‘Albion,’ ‘Seascape,’ and ‘Tribute.’
- June-bearing: These varieties produce a main crop in June, followed by smaller, scattered harvests throughout the summer. While not strictly everbearing, they offer a longer harvest season compared to traditional June-bearing varieties. Examples include ‘Everest’ and ‘Ozark Beauty.’
When choosing a variety, consider your climate, desired harvest time, and personal preferences.
Site Selection and Soil Preparation
Everbearing strawberries thrive in well-drained soil with a pH between 6.0 and 6.5. Choose a sunny location that receives at least six hours of direct sunlight daily.
1. Soil Preparation: Before planting, amend the soil with organic matter like compost or aged manure to improve drainage and fertility. Work the amendment into the top 6-8 inches of soil.
2. Raised Beds: If your soil is poorly drained, consider planting everbearing strawberries in raised beds. This improves drainage and allows you to control the soil composition.
Planting Everbearing Strawberries
The best time to plant everbearing strawberries is in early spring or late summer.
1. Spacing: Space plants 12-18 inches apart in rows that are 2-3 feet apart.
2. Depth: Plant the crown of the plant (where the roots meet the leaves) at or slightly above soil level.
3. Watering: Water thoroughly after planting.
Watering and Fertilizing
Everbearing strawberries require consistent moisture, especially during the hot summer months.
1. Watering: Water deeply and regularly, aiming for 1 inch of water per week. Avoid overhead watering, which can spread diseases.
2. Mulching: Apply a 2-4 inch layer of organic mulch, such as straw or wood chips, around the plants to conserve moisture, suppress weeds, and moderate soil temperature.
3. Fertilizing: Fertilize your everbearing strawberry plants with a balanced fertilizer (10-10-10) every 4-6 weeks during the growing season. Avoid over-fertilizing, which can lead to excessive foliage growth at the expense of fruit production.
Harvesting Your Everbearing Strawberry Bounty
The beauty of everbearing strawberries is their ability to produce fruit throughout the season.
1. Harvest Time: Harvest berries when they are fully red and plump. Avoid picking unripe berries, as they will not ripen further after being picked.
2. Picking Techniques: Gently pull the berries from the plant, leaving the cap intact.
3. Enjoy! Everbearing strawberries are delicious eaten fresh, but they can also be used in jams, jellies, pies, and other desserts.
Pest and Disease Management
While everbearing strawberries are relatively disease-resistant, they can be susceptible to certain pests and diseases.
1. Common Pests: Birds, snails, slugs, and aphids can damage strawberry plants. Use bird netting to protect your berries from birds, and hand-pick snails and slugs. For aphids, you can use insecticidal soap or introduce beneficial insects like ladybugs.
2. Common Diseases: Leaf spot, powdery mildew, and root rot are common diseases that can affect everbearing strawberries. Practice good sanitation by removing diseased leaves and plants. Avoid overhead watering to reduce the risk of fungal diseases.
Winter Care for Everbearing Strawberries
Everbearing strawberries require some winter care to ensure their survival and future productivity.
1. Mulching: In areas with harsh winters, apply a thick layer of mulch (6-8 inches) around the plants to protect the crowns from freezing.
2. Pruning: In late fall or early winter, prune away any dead or diseased foliage.
3. Spring Clean-up: In early spring, remove the winter mulch and prune any remaining dead or diseased foliage.
Renewing Your Everbearing Strawberry Patch
Everbearing strawberry plants typically produce well for 2-3 years. After that, their yields decline. To maintain a continuous supply of fresh berries, you’ll need to renew your patch.
1. Dividing Plants: You can divide your existing plants to create new ones. Carefully dig up a plant and separate it into smaller clumps, each with a crown and roots. Replant the divisions in a new location.
2. New Plants: You can also purchase new everbearing strawberry plants from a nursery or garden center.
Beyond the Harvest: Enjoying the Beauty of Everbearing Strawberries
Beyond their delicious fruit, everbearing strawberries add a touch of beauty to your garden. Their lush green foliage and delicate white flowers create a charming landscape. Consider planting them in containers or hanging baskets to enjoy their beauty on patios or balconies.
What You Need to Know
Q: How often should I harvest everbearing strawberries?
A: Harvest everbearing strawberries every 2-3 days, depending on the variety and growing conditions. Pick berries when they are fully red and plump.
Q: Can I grow everbearing strawberries in pots?
A: Yes, you can grow everbearing strawberries in pots. Choose a pot that is at least 12 inches in diameter and has drainage holes. Use a well-draining potting mix and water regularly.
Q: What are the best companion plants for everbearing strawberries?
A: Good companion plants for everbearing strawberries include garlic, onions, chives, and herbs like rosemary and thyme. These plants repel pests and improve soil health.
Q: How do I know if my everbearing strawberry plants are healthy?
A: Healthy everbearing strawberry plants have lush green foliage, strong stems, and plenty of flowers and fruit. Look for signs of disease or pest damage, such as wilting leaves, yellowing foliage, or holes in the leaves.
Q: When should I stop harvesting everbearing strawberries?
A: You can continue harvesting everbearing strawberries until the first frost. After that, the plants will go dormant for the winter.
