10 Tactics To Grow Big Juicy Strawberries

Dreaming of big, juicy strawberries?

You’re in luck!

With the right tactics, you can grow delicious berries right at home. From soil tips to watering tricks, we’ve got you covered.

Ready to pick some tasty strawberries?

Let’s get started!

Pick the Right Spot

Choose the Best Varieties
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Strawberries love the sun! They need at least 6-8 hours of direct sunlight to grow big and juicy.

Find a sunny spot in your garden that gets plenty of sunshine. Your strawberries will thank you with a sweet and plentiful harvest!

Prepare the Soil

Strawberries aren’t too picky, but they do love well-drained, slightly acidic soil. Aim for a pH between 5.5 and 6.5.

Mix in some compost or aged manure to up the nutrient game. This helps your strawberries grow strong and healthy.

Choose the Best Varieties

Water Just Enough
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Not all strawberries are created equal! Pick varieties known for big juicy fruits like ‘Chandler,’ ‘Allstar,’ or ‘Seascape.’ Do a little research to see what grows best in your area.

You’ll be enjoying mouth-watering strawberries in no time.

Plant Them Right

When planting, make sure the crowns of your strawberry plants are at soil level. Space them about 12-18 inches apart to give them room to grow.

Keep rows about 24 inches apart so you can easily move around for weeding and harvesting.

Water Just Enough

Feed Your Plants
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Strawberries need about 1-1.5 inches of water per week, especially during fruiting season. Water them at the base, avoiding the leaves to prevent disease.

Using a drip irrigation system can save you time and effort.

Mulch It Up

Mulching helps retain moisture, keeps weeds at bay, and prevents your strawberries from touching the soil. Use straw, pine needles, or something similar.

A 2-inch mulch layer should do the trick and your strawberries will stay healthy and happy.

Feed Your Plants

Pick the Right Spot
Image: © mollyshomeguide.com (Visualized and enhanced using AI technology)

Strawberries are heavy feeders. Use a balanced fertilizer (10-10-10) to give them the nutrients they need.

Fertilize when you plant, then again after the first harvest. Don’t overdo it, though, as too much can harm the plants.

Protect from Pests

Keep an eye out for pests like slugs, birds, and aphids. Use row covers to protect your plants or sprinkle some diatomaceous earth around to deter slugs.

A little vigilance goes a long way in keeping your strawberries safe.

Prune for Productivity

Remove any runners (the offshoots) that your strawberry plants produce, unless you’re planning to propagate. This helps the plant focus on producing fruit rather than spreading out.

Also, trim any dead or diseased leaves to keep your plants in top shape.

Harvest at the Right Time

Your patience will pay off! Harvest strawberries when they’re fully red.

Gently twist the berry off the stem or use scissors to cut them. Picking in the morning while it’s still cool can help keep them fresh longer.

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