Strawberries 1 - Bare Roots to Containers

I tried growing strawberries from seed and was successful but the whole process takes a lot longer than you may wish to wait.  Starting with bare root strawberries is much faster.  Here is part 1 of a 3 part series in growing strawberries starting with bare roots.  

How to Plant Bare Root Strawberries: A Step-by-Step Guide for a Bountiful Harvest

Strawberries are one of the most beloved fruits, offering delicious, sweet berries that can elevate any dish. If you’ve decided to grow strawberries in your garden, planting bare root strawberries is a great choice. Bare root plants are often more affordable than potted plants and can establish themselves quickly when planted correctly. Whether you’re a beginner gardener or a seasoned pro, planting bare root strawberries is a satisfying and simple way to grow your own crop of fresh, juicy strawberries.

In this blog post, we’ll guide you through everything you need to know about planting bare root strawberries, including how to prepare the soil, when to plant, and how to care for your plants as they grow.

What Are Bare Root Strawberries?

Bare root strawberries are young strawberry plants that are sold without soil around their roots. Instead, the roots are packed in a damp material or wrapped in plastic to keep them hydrated during transportation. Bare root plants are usually dormant when sold, meaning they’re in a state of rest and haven’t started growing yet. This makes them ideal for planting in early spring, as they’ll have the perfect opportunity to establish roots before the growing season begins.

Why Choose Bare Root Strawberries?

Bare root strawberries have several advantages over potted strawberry plants:

1. Cost-Effective: Bare root strawberries are typically less expensive than potted plants, making them an affordable option for gardeners on a budget.
2. Healthy Roots: Because they’re dormant when purchased, bare root strawberries often develop healthier roots and are less prone to transplant shock compared to potted plants.
3. Variety: Bare root strawberries are available in a wide range of varieties, including June-bearing, everbearing, and day-neutral types, so you can choose the one that suits your growing preferences.

When to Plant Bare Root Strawberries

The best time to plant bare root strawberries is in early spring, as soon as the ground is workable but before the soil gets too warm. This gives the plants time to establish roots and become acclimated to the soil before the heat of summer. In colder climates, planting in early spring will allow the plants to benefit from the cooler temperatures and longer growing season. In warmer regions, late winter to early spring is ideal for planting.

Step-by-Step Guide to Planting Bare Root Strawberries

Step 1: Prepare Your Garden Bed

Before planting your bare root strawberries, it’s essential to prepare the garden bed properly to ensure healthy plant growth. Strawberries thrive in well-draining, fertile soil, so follow these steps to create the ideal environment:

1. Choose the Right Location: Select a spot that receives at least 6-8 hours of sunlight per day. Strawberries are sun-loving plants and need plenty of light to produce sweet, flavorful fruit.
2. Prepare the Soil: Loosen the soil to a depth of 6-8 inches. If your soil is heavy clay or poorly draining, consider amending it with organic matter such as compost or well-rotted manure. This will improve drainage and provide essential nutrients.
3. Test the pH: Strawberries prefer slightly acidic soil with a pH between 5.5 and 6.5. You can test your soil’s pH with a simple soil test and adjust it as needed by adding lime (to raise the pH) or sulfur (to lower the pH).

Step 2: Soak the Bare Root Plants

Before planting, soak the bare root strawberry plants in water for 30-60 minutes. This rehydrates the roots and helps them settle into the soil more easily. If you don’t have time to soak them, you can still plant them, but soaking ensures that the roots won’t dry out during the planting process.

Step 3: Dig the Planting Holes

When planting bare root strawberries, it’s essential to dig shallow holes. Each hole should be large enough to accommodate the roots of the plant without bending or crowding them. Here’s how to do it:

• Spacing: Space the strawberry plants about 12-18 inches apart to give them room to spread out. If you’re planting in rows, leave 2-3 feet between each row to allow for easy access and air circulation.
• Depth: Dig each hole just deep enough to cover the roots. The crown of the plant (the point where the roots meet the stem) should be level with or slightly above the soil surface. Planting too deep can cause the crown to rot, while planting too shallow can expose the roots to air and drying out.

Step 4: Plant the Bare Root Strawberries

Now it’s time to plant your bare root strawberries:

1. Place the Plant: Position the bare root strawberry plant in the hole so that the roots are spread out naturally and the crown is at the soil level.
2. Backfill the Hole: Gently fill in the hole with soil, being careful not to bury the crown. Firmly press the soil around the roots to eliminate air pockets and ensure good contact between the roots and soil.
3. Water Thoroughly: After planting, water the strawberry plants thoroughly to settle the soil around the roots and provide moisture. Make sure the soil is evenly moist but not waterlogged.

Step 5: Mulch the Bed

To keep the soil consistently moist, suppress weeds, and protect the young plants, apply a layer of mulch around your newly planted strawberries. Straw or shredded leaves are great mulch options. Mulching will help maintain a stable soil temperature and reduce the risk of the plants drying out.

Step 6: Water and Care for Your Plants

Once your bare root strawberries are planted, it’s essential to care for them properly to ensure healthy growth:

• Watering: Keep the soil consistently moist but not soggy. Strawberries need regular watering, especially in dry periods, but they don’t like to sit in water. Water around the base of the plants to avoid wetting the leaves, which can promote fungal diseases.
• Fertilizing: Strawberries are heavy feeders, so it’s important to fertilize them during the growing season. Use a balanced, slow-release fertilizer to provide nutrients, or apply compost to the base of the plants. Avoid high-nitrogen fertilizers, as they can promote excessive leaf growth at the expense of fruit production.
• Weeding: Keep the strawberry bed weed-free to reduce competition for nutrients and water. Mulch helps keep weeds at bay, but you may still need to do occasional weeding, especially when the plants are young.

Step 7: Care Through the Growing Season

• Remove Runners: Strawberries send out runners, or “daughter plants,” that can take over the bed. While you can let these runners root and spread, it’s often best to remove them during the first year to allow the main plant to focus on establishing a strong root system and producing fruit.
• Pest Control: Keep an eye out for pests such as aphids, slugs, and snails. Use organic pest control methods like neem oil or diatomaceous earth to keep pests under control.
• Protect from Birds: If you notice birds trying to snatch your ripening berries, consider using bird netting or other protective measures.

Final Thoughts

Planting bare root strawberries is a simple and cost-effective way to start your own strawberry patch. With a little care and attention, you can enjoy a bountiful harvest of fresh, homegrown strawberries. Whether you’re growing them in a raised bed, container, or garden row, bare root strawberries are an excellent choice for gardeners looking to add a sweet touch to their backyard.

By following these planting tips and providing proper care throughout the growing season, you’ll soon be enjoying the fruits of your labor—literally! Happy gardening, and may your strawberry patch thrive with delicious berries! 🍓🌱