Your Guide to Growing Delicious Strawberries

Where to Plant Strawberries 

• Strawberries prefer well-draining soil and full sun (6-8 hours), although they can tolerate some shade. 
• Make sure the soil is fertile and rich in organic matter, with a pH between 5.5 and 6.5.  
• If your soil is heavy or has poor drainage, consider growing strawberries in raised beds or containers. This would allow for better soil control and improved drainage. 

When to Plant Strawberries 

• The best time to plant strawberries is in the early spring, as soon as the soil can be worked. However, strawberries can also be planted in the fall in warmer climates. 
• Planting in the spring or fall allows the plants to establish themselves before the extreme temperatures of summer or winter.  
• It's important to note that some cultivars may have specific planting recommendations based on your region's climate. So, it's always a good idea to read the label and/or check with your local extension office or nursery for specific advice. 

How to Plant Strawberries

The tips below focus on planting strawberries in the ground, primarily as an edible. However, there are some general takeaways.  

There are two primary methods for planting strawberries; the "Hill System" and the "Matted Row System." 

How to Plant Strawberries Using the "Matted Row" System

• The "matted row" system is a popular method for planting strawberries that allows for maximum yield in a small space.  
• In this system, plants are spaced about 12-18 inches apart in rows that are 3-4 feet apart.  
• As the plants grow and spread, they produce runners which root and form new plants (“daughter plants”), creating a dense mat of foliage.  
• By the end of the season, there may be up to 12-15 daughter plants per original plant, resulting in a crowded but productive row.  
• To maintain this system, the original plants are usually removed after a couple of years and replaced with new ones, allowing for continued higher levels of fruit production. 

How to Plant Strawberries Using the "Hill System 

• The "hill system" is a method of growing strawberries that involves planting individual plants on mounds or hills.  
• The mounds are spaced about 2-3 feet apart, each having 3-5 plants. The plants themselves are planted on the mounds in groupings (vs. rows) and about 1-2 feet from each other. 
• This system allows for better air circulation and drainage around each plant, which can help prevent disease and root rot.  
• Additionally, the hill system can make it easier to harvest the fruit, as the berries are more visible and accessible.  
• This method is often used in areas with heavy soil or high rainfall, where the matted row system may not be as successful due to the increased risk of disease and root rot. 
• Regardless of which method you choose, it’s important to start by preparing the area by removing any rocks or weeds. This will minimize competition for space and nutrients and make maintenance and harvesting easier. 

When planting strawberry plants, make sure to plant them at the correct level, with the crown (the point where the roots meet the stem) at or just above the soil level. Planting them too deep or too shallow can cause problems for the plant's growth, health, and, ultimately, fruit production. 

Water the plants well after planting. 

If you’re growing strawberries solely for fruit production, planting them in raised beds is a good option to consider, particularly if you have challenging soil conditions, as they allow for greater control over soil quality and drainage.