How to Grow Sweet Strawberries

Pull weeds from the bed three weeks before planting in spring. Spread ½ lb. of 10-10-10 fertilizer over each 50 square feet of bed. Till the top 6 to 8 inches of soil with a hoe or power tiller, working in the fertilizer and breaking up any large soil clods.

Strip the lower leaves off of each plant before setting the strawberry in the garden. Leave only two or three of the healthiest leaves on each stem. Removing the weaker leaves allows the plant to direct energy to root development, resulting in stronger plants.

Dig the planting holes to the same depth as the strawberry plant roots. Make a small, 1- to 2-inch-high mound in the bottom of each hole. Set the strawberry in the hole, spreading the roots over the mound. The crown of the strawberry plant must sit just above the soil surface once you fill in the planting hole.

Space the plants 16 to 18 inches apart in each row. Set the rows 2 feet apart.

Water the strawberries deeply, one to two times a week. Provide enough irrigation to moisten the top 12 inches of soil. Drip irrigation at the base of the plant provides ample soil moisture but doesn't wet the strawberry leaves; wet leaves and fruits are more prone to disease.

Pinch off the flower blossoms on June-bearers during the first summer after planting. The plant will produce larger, sweeter berries the following year if they aren't allowed to fruit right after planting.

Begin annual fertilization the second year after planting. Apply ½ lb. of 10-10-10 fertilizer to every 50 square feet of bed after harvesting the berries. Water the strawberry bed thoroughly after fertilization.