How Much Shade Does a Strawberry Need?

Shade

• Strawberries, like most soft fruits, require a large amount of direct sunlight, preferably at least six hours a day. If the plants are placed where this is not the case they will still grow, but will not produce large yields. The sunlight is not only important to help the plant grow in terms of photosynthesis, but will also ripen the fruit.

Water

• The issue with plants that require a lot of sunlight is that they can dehydrate easily due to a lack of rainfall. Strawberries will require watering everyday to stop the soil drying out and interrupting the growing process.

Drainage

• As these plants like the hot sunny conditions, standing water, or soggy soil, is not good for them. The water is vital, but if the roots become saturated the plant drowns. Plant strawberries where there is good drainage, or use the hill system. This is where strawberry plants are grown on elevated runs of soil, about 10 centimeters above ground level. This means the roots of the plant are well above the water table.

Protection

• One of the greatest threats to strawberries are birds, which are prone to eat the berries before they have ripened. To stop this happening while still allowing direct sunlight, place netting over the plants. Straw or polystyrene sheeting will stop slugs and other ground based pests.

Early Crops

• To encourage early crops of strawberries start the growing process under clear plastic sheeting. This will give the plants access to direct sunlight and trap in the heat when the temperature starts to rise.