Cultural Directions

Strawberries are successfully grown in every state but do best in well-drained loam soil with a pH of 6.0-6.5.  The soil structure should be loose and hardpans should be broken up with deep chisel plowing or tilling.

Strawberries must be planted in a weed free site.  Cover cropping the year prior to planting will go a long way in crowding out germinating annual weeds.  If no cover crop is planted, the site should be cultivated frequently to kill weeds or Round Up should be used at 2-3 quarts per acre.  It should be used on actively growing weeds and when quackgrass is around 6" tall it gives good control.

There are very few herbicides available for the planting year.  Small growers and gardeners are encouraged to keep rows clean by hoeing and hand-weeding.

Strawberries should be planted as early as possible in spring: frosts will not hurt newly planted berries.  Plants should be set in rows 38"-48" apart with 12"-18" between plants for the matted row system.  Plant the plants at the same depth they were at the nursery being careful not to cover the crown.

Strawberries will need irrigation for frost protection, plant growth, and for cooling the fruit in hot conditions.  A water soluble fertilizer is all that should be applied for the first three weeks after planting to keep the from burning the newly emerging roots.  After this time fertilize as you would any garden crop.

During the first season, it is advisable to remove fruit blossoms as they appear, to help encourage plant and runner growth.  For best results, set runners away from mother plants equally spaced from other runners.

In colder climates, a mulch of straw or leaves can be placed directly upon rows of plants to prevent winter injury to the strawberry crowns.  This should be removed in spring prior to dormancy break.