Plant your strawberries in a sunny location with the right soil conditions. If you're aiming for higher yields, plant in the garden. You can, however, achieve wonderful results using containers on the balcony or deck, especially if space is limited. Pots, hanging baskets, geotextile bags: you have a choice!
Exposure: full sun and partial shade
Soil: slightly acidic, rich in humus and organic matter, loose and with good drainage.
Steps for planting in the garden:
For home gardeners, planting is typically done in the spring, as soon as you are able to loosen the earth. This way, plants are well-established before the warm summer weather arrives in July.
You have a few planting options in the garden as well: the row system (particularly for June-bearing plants, or cultivars with a lot of runners) or; the hill system (for day-neutral and ever-bearing strawberries. Both are viable for different reasons.
- Choose a sunny location.
- Check that the soil is fertile, rich and well-drained.
- Loosen the soil, dig a hole and create a mound within the hole so that the crown is at soil level.
- Put a layer of good compost in the hole.
- Place the plant in the hole and spread the roots down the sides of the mound.
- Fill in the hole and ensure the soil is level with the middle of the crown, then press the soil around the roots.
- Water thoroughly.
- Space plants 30 cm apart in a hill system, and between 40 and 50 cm apart in a row system.
- Add a layer of straw or mulch.
Steps for planting in containers:
Strawberry plants do well in hanging baskets or in large jars and containers with sufficient openings for drainage. Everbearing varieties are preferable for small spaces or balconies.
- Choose a location with 6-8 hours sunlight per day.
- Plant when all risk of frost has passed.
- Choose a dark and well-draining container. Geotextile pots, such as Smart Pots, are excellent options.
- Prepare a half and half mix of soil and compost.
- Delicately spread out the roots.
- Cover with earth, pat down, and water thoroughly.
- In the fall, either leave your plants in their geotextile bags or transplant them into the garden.
