How to Grow Better Strawberries

The coming of summer brings to mind fresh ripe strawberries. Whether you enjoy this sweet fruit sliced on your morning cereal or as a sweet treat in strawberry shortcake or pie, growing your own strawberries assures that you have fresh berries at your fingertips throughout the summer months. Although strawberries are not difficult to grow there are steps to take to make sure your crop yields the best possible fruit with maximum sweetness.

Things You'll Need

Composted manure
Shovel

Strawberry plants
Straw mulch

Instructions

- 1
  Plant your strawberry plants in the fall to allow time to establish good root systems.
- 2
  Choose a location that gets at least eight hours of full sun each day for the largest and sweetest possible strawberries.
- 3
  Dig composted manure or other organic material into the soil. Soil should drain well and be slightly acidic.
- 4
  Trim roots of bare-root plants to 6 inches. Soak the roots in water for 30 minutes before planting.
- 5
  Dig a hole to accommodate the roots. Space the holes 12 to 18 inches apart in rows .
- 6
  Arrange rows at least 18 inches apart to allow space for the runners and to allow room to walk between the rows for weeding and harvesting.
- 7
  Place the plant in the hole. Spread the roots out.
- 8
  Fill in loosely with soil to cover the roots. Keep soil from the crown of the plants.
- 9
  Water the plants immediately after planting.
- 10
  Apply a 3-inch layer of straw around the plants to hold in moisture and insulate the roots.

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