Strawberries are a delicious and rewarding crop to grow at home. If you want to fill your garden with an abundance of strawberries without spending a fortune, planting bare root strawberry plants in late winter is the best way to do it. These dormant plants are much cheaper than potted ones and, with the right care, will establish quickly, producing sweet, juicy berries in just a few months.
Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you plant bare root strawberries and ensure a bountiful harvest.
Why Choose Bare Root Strawberries?
Bare root strawberries are dormant plants that are sold without soil. They may look lifeless at first, but they come to life once planted in the ground. Here’s why they’re a great choice:
✅ Cost-Effective – Much cheaper than potted plants.
✅ Healthier Root Systems – Stronger roots lead to better growth.
✅ More Variety Choices – You can find heirloom and specialty varieties.
✅ Easier to Transport & Store – Less bulky and easier to plant.
Step-by-Step Guide to Planting Bare Root Strawberries
Step 1: Choose the Right Variety
There are three main types of strawberries:
- June-bearing – Produces one large crop in early summer.
- Everbearing – Produces smaller crops throughout the season.
- Day-neutral – Fruits continuously in warm weather.
For an endless supply of strawberries, consider planting a mix of June-bearing and everbearing varieties.
Step 2: Select the Best Location
Strawberries thrive in full sun, so choose a spot that gets at least 6–8 hours of sunlight per day. The soil should be:
✔ Well-draining – Avoid waterlogged areas.
✔ Slightly acidic – pH between 5.5 and 6.5.
✔ Rich in organic matter – Mix in compost before planting.
If your garden has heavy clay soil, consider planting in raised beds or containers.
Step 3: Prepare the Soil
- Loosen the soil to a depth of about 12 inches to allow the roots to spread.
- Add compost or well-rotted manure to enrich the soil.
- Test the pH level and adjust if necessary using garden lime (to raise pH) or sulfur (to lower pH).
- Create planting rows about 18 inches apart to give the plants room to grow.
Step 4: Soak the Roots Before Planting
Bare root strawberries can dry out quickly. Before planting:
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