Strawberries

Plant in a sunny area with good drainage, and mix compost into the soil.  Use edging to contain runners into their designated area.  Choose a June-bearing variety for a big harvest early in the season, or ever-bearing for a steady harvest throughout the spring and summer. Matted Row System: Plant 18” apart, with three to four feet in between rows. Runners are allowed to grow, producing a mat two to three feet wide the length of the row.  You can skip planting every other row space, fill it in the next spring, and allow the runners to fill in the space. Hill System: Set plants in a hill 12” apart with 12” between rows. Pick off runners to allow the plant to put all of its energy into producing fruit. There’s a lot more maintenance with this method, but it produces larger berries. Dig a V-shaped hole 8” deep, spread the roots, and fill in the soil so the crown rests above the soil level. Feed in the fall with a balanced or low-nitrogen fertilizer. Strawberry plants decrease in vigor after a few years, so start with fresh, healthy plants and after four or five years.