Strawberry plants are small, low-growing perennials that produce sweet, juicy fruits. They have shallow, fibrous root systems and usually produce runners that can be used to propagate new plants. The plants have bright green, heart-shaped leaves with serrated edges, and produce white flowers with five petals. The fruits are typically red and have small yellowish seeds on the surface. Strawberries are a popular crop for home gardeners and are easy to grow in most climates.
Planning Your Garden With Strawberries
As you plan your garden, it's important to think about the spacing, size, light, and nutrient requirements of all of your plant and how they'll grow together.
Some plants require more water than others, while other plants require dry soil. At the same time, some plants prefer full sun, and other plants need the shade to survive.
By studying what each plant requires and planning ahead where all of your plants will grow best, you can optimize your garden space.
| Life Cycle | Strawberries are perennial. |
| USDA Zone | The USDA Plant Hardiness Zone range for strawberries is 3-10. |
| Cold Tolerance | Strawberries are cold hardy and can survive temperatures as low as 28. |
| Days to harvest | The minimum number of days to harvest for strawberries is usually around 30 days. |
| Average size | The average size of a full grown strawberry plant is about 12 inches tall and 18 inches wide. |
| Spacing requirements | The best spacing for growing strawberries is 6-12 inches apart in rows that are 4-5 feet apart. |
| Sun tolerance | The sun tolerance for strawberries is 6 to 8 hours of direct sunlight per day. |
| Shade tolerance | Strawberries are generally considered to be tolerant of partial shade, but they will produce the best yields when grown in full sun. |
| Water requirements | Ideally, strawberries need 1-2 inches of water per week. They should be watered deeply and evenly, and it is best to water in the morning so that the foliage has time to dry before nightfall. It is important not to over-water, as this can lead to root rot and other diseases. Mulching around the plants can also help to conserve moisture and reduce weeds. |
| Fertilizer | The amount of fertilizer you should use when growing strawberries depends on the type of fertilizer you are using and the soil conditions. Generally, a balanced fertilizer with an N-P-K ratio of 10-10-10 is recommended. Apply 1/2 to 1 pound of fertilizer per 100 square feet of garden area. If you are using a liquid fertilizer, use 1/2 cup per 100 square feet. |
| Soil pH | The optimum pH for growing strawberries is between 5.5 and 6.5. |
Why Strawberries are Popular
People like to grow strawberries because they are relatively easy to grow, are a great source of vitamins and minerals, and are delicious. Growing strawberries also provides gardeners with a sense of accomplishment, as they can be harvested and enjoyed in a short period of time.
Companion Plants For Strawberries
Companion planting is a great way to maximize your garden space and get the most out of your plants. By planting certain plants together, you can help each other thrive. In some cases, you can even help each other repel pests.
Popular companion plants for strawberries include:
Common Pests For Strawberries
Plant pests are a common problem for gardeners. By understanding what pests are common for your plants, you can take steps to prevent them from damaging your plants.
When you grow strawberries, keep an eye out for these common pests:
- japanese beetles
- slugs
- aphids
- spider mites
- beetles
- cutworms
USDA Zones
USDA zones are a popular way of determining which plants can grow in your area. Zones tell you when your average first and last frost date are, as well as how cold you can expect it to get in the winter.
Our site works best if you choose your zone from the list below. If you do not know your USDA zone, then you can use our zone map.
