Our article is intended for this very group. Having your own strawberries in the garden—now that’s a real treat!
When?
We plant
strawberry plants in April or May. This is the best time in the spring. They can also be planted in August and September.
Spring planting has the advantage that you’ll get a harvest as early as summer (albeit a smaller one). In the fall, the plants will produce more seedlings, which can be used to thicken the bed for a larger subsequent harvest. In the spring, the plants have the opportunity to draw moisture from the winter, and since it’s not as hot as in August, they “take root” better.
What?
You need to
choose the seedlings carefully to ensure the highest possible quality of strawberries. We select the variety based on the geographical location of our garden (some varieties are suitable for lowlands, others for higher elevations). We also distinguish between once-bearing varieties (which bear fruit once per season), everbearing varieties (which bear fruit repeatedly during the season), and monthly varieties (which propagate via seeds and bear fruit many times per season). In the Czech Republic, we have a choice of about thirty recognized varieties. It’s best to buy seedlings at garden centers or from registered, verified growers. This is the only way to ensure you’re buying truly healthy, high-quality plants. These should have a “heart” (root collar), older and younger roots, and several leaves. They should not be dry or spotted. Before planting, it’s advisable to treat them against root rot (Aliette WP 80 solution).
Where?
Strawberries prefer neutral to slightly acidic, humus-rich, loamy-sandy soil. It should be well-aerated. It is best to plant strawberries in a bed where plants were previously fertilized with manure—such as after peppers, tomatoes, or potatoes. You can’t go wrong if you “improve” the bed with compost or potting mix before planting. They also require plenty of water and light.
How?
For green seedlings, trim the ends of the roots. Then plant them in holes about 10 to 15 cm deep and wide. The heart of the seedling must not be buried. Spacing varies by variety, ranging from 20 to 40 cm. Rows should be spaced 50–70 cm apart for proper care and harvesting.
Here’s to a bountiful harvest!