What To Know
- Learning how to grow strawberries in a greenhouse can make that dream a reality.
- Decide whether you want to grow **everbearing** strawberries, which produce fruit throughout the growing season, or **June-bearing** strawberries, which have a large harvest in late spring or early summer.
- Growing your own strawberries in a greenhouse is a rewarding experience.
Are you dreaming of juicy, ripe strawberries all year round? Learning how to grow strawberries in a greenhouse can make that dream a reality. A greenhouse allows you to control the environment, giving your strawberry plants the perfect conditions to thrive. This guide will walk you through the essential steps, from choosing the right varieties to maximizing your harvest.
1. Choosing the Right Strawberry Variety
The first step to successful strawberry growing is selecting the right variety. Consider these factors:
- Season: Decide whether you want to grow **everbearing** strawberries, which produce fruit throughout the growing season, or **June-bearing** strawberries, which have a large harvest in late spring or early summer.
- Size: Choose varieties that are suitable for your greenhouse space. Some strawberries grow in a compact, bushy form, while others have trailing vines.
- Taste: Different varieties have unique flavor profiles. Do you prefer sweet, tart, or a balance of both?
- Disease Resistance: Select varieties known for their resistance to common strawberry diseases, such as powdery mildew and leaf spot.
Popular greenhouse strawberry varieties include:
- Everbearing: ‘Seascape’, ‘Tribute’, ‘Albion’, ‘Elan’
- June-bearing: ‘Chandler’, ‘Honeoye’, ‘Earliglow’, ‘Allstar’
2. Greenhouse Preparation
Before planting, prepare your greenhouse for optimal strawberry growth.
- Soil: Strawberries thrive in well-drained, slightly acidic soil with a pH of 5.5 to 6.5. Use a high-quality potting mix or amend your existing soil with compost and peat moss.
- Lighting: Strawberries need at least six hours of sunlight per day. If your greenhouse doesn’t receive enough natural light, supplement with artificial lighting.
- Temperature: Strawberries grow best in temperatures between 60°F and 70°F. Use a greenhouse heater or ventilation system to maintain optimal temperatures.
- Humidity: Strawberries prefer moderate humidity levels. Use a humidifier or misting system if your greenhouse air is too dry.
3. Planting Your Strawberry Plants
Once your greenhouse is ready, you can begin planting your strawberry plants.
- Spacing: Space your strawberry plants 12 to 18 inches apart. For trailing varieties, allow more space for the vines to spread.
- Depth: Plant the strawberry crowns just below the soil surface, ensuring that the roots are well-covered.
- Watering: Water your strawberry plants thoroughly after planting and keep the soil consistently moist.
4. Providing Ongoing Care
After planting, continue to provide your strawberry plants with the care they need to thrive:
- Watering: Water your strawberry plants regularly, especially during dry periods. Avoid overwatering, which can lead to root rot.
- Fertilizing: Feed your strawberry plants with a balanced fertilizer every few weeks. Use a fertilizer specifically formulated for strawberries.
- Mulching: Apply a layer of mulch around your strawberry plants to help retain moisture, suppress weeds, and moderate soil temperature.
- Pruning: Prune your strawberry plants regularly to remove dead or diseased leaves and encourage new growth.
5. Pollination and Fruit Production
Strawberries are self-pollinating, but they can benefit from additional pollination. You can encourage pollination by:
- Opening the greenhouse windows: Allowing bees and other pollinators to enter your greenhouse will increase pollination rates.
- Hand pollination: Gently brush the flowers with a small paintbrush to transfer pollen.
- Using a fan: Circulating air with a fan can help distribute pollen.
Once your strawberries are pollinated, they will begin to produce fruit. You can expect your first harvest a few weeks after flowering.
6. Harvesting Your Strawberries
Once your strawberries are ripe, harvest them carefully to avoid damaging the plants.
- Timing: Harvest your strawberries when they are fully red and plump. Underripe strawberries will be tart and lack flavor.
- Method: Gently twist the strawberries off the plant, leaving the stem behind. Do not pull or tug on the strawberries.
- Storage: Store your harvested strawberries in a cool, dry place. Refrigerate them to extend their shelf life.
7. Enjoying the Sweet Rewards
Growing your own strawberries in a greenhouse is a rewarding experience. You’ll enjoy the freshest, most flavorful strawberries possible, and you’ll have a continuous supply throughout the growing season. With careful planning and consistent care, you can achieve a bountiful strawberry harvest.
Looking Beyond the Harvest: A Sustainable Approach
Growing strawberries in a greenhouse allows for a more sustainable approach to gardening. You can conserve water by using drip irrigation systems, minimize pesticide use by controlling pests within the greenhouse environment, and reduce your carbon footprint by growing your own food.
Information You Need to Know
Q1: What is the best time of year to plant strawberries in a greenhouse?
A1: The best time to plant strawberries in a greenhouse depends on your location and the variety you are growing. In most regions, spring and fall are ideal planting times.
Q2: How often should I water my strawberry plants?
A2: Water your strawberry plants regularly, keeping the soil consistently moist. The frequency of watering will depend on the temperature, humidity, and soil type. Check the soil moisture level regularly and water when the top inch of soil feels dry.
Q3: Can I grow strawberries in a small greenhouse?
A3: Yes, you can grow strawberries in a small greenhouse. Choose compact varieties and space them appropriately to maximize your yield.
Q4: What are some common pests and diseases that affect strawberries?
A4: Common strawberry pests include aphids, spider mites, and whiteflies. Diseases that can affect strawberries include powdery mildew, leaf spot, and root rot. Monitor your plants regularly for signs of pests and diseases, and take appropriate action to control them.
Q5: How long can I expect my strawberry plants to produce fruit?
A5: Strawberry plants can produce fruit for several years. However, their productivity will decline over time. You may need to replace your plants every few years to maintain optimal yields.
