Holly's Homestead — Berry
Strawberry
Fragaria × ananassa · Rose family
DIFFICULTY Easy
TYPE Perennial, grown from runners/crowns
MATURITY 4–6 weeks to first fruit after planting
TYPE Perennial, grown from runners/crowns
MATURITY 4–6 weeks to first fruit after planting
Sun
Full sun
Water
Regular, even
Soil pH
5.5–6.5
Spacing
30cm
Depth
crown at soil level
01Crown at soil level
Plant so the crown — where the leaves meet the roots — sits exactly at soil level. Too deep and it rots; too shallow and it dries out.
02Planting
Method
Plant bare-root crowns or potted runners, crown at soil level.
Soil
Rich, well-drained, slightly acidic.
Timing
Plant in autumn for a spring crop, or spring for a smaller first-year harvest.
03Growing care
- Mulch with straw to keep fruit clean and off damp soil.
- Remove runners unless propagating new plants.
- Water evenly — irregular watering causes small or misshapen fruit.
- Replace plants every 3 years as vigour declines.
04Problems
- Grey mould (botrytis) — fruit rot in humid weather; improve airflow, mulch under fruit.
- Slugs and snails — target ripening fruit; use barriers.
- Birds — netting is close to essential.
- Small fruit — overcrowded runners; thin regularly.
05Harvest & storage
Signs
Fully red, no white shoulders, comes away easily.
Method
Pinch the stem rather than pulling the fruit.
Curing
None needed.
Storage
Fridge a few days; freezes well.
06Companions & rotation
Plant nearby
LettuceSpinachOnionThymeAvoid nearby
BrassicasRotation note
Replace the bed or divide every 3 years; avoid replanting where tomatoes grew.