How to grow Strawberry Plants

Welcome to Moore Berries strawberry plant FAQ section. We have put together some of the most commonly asked questions and provided you all the answers in one space. Weather your a new grower or looking to expand your patch you'll find everything you need right here. 

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When is the best time to plant bare root strawberry plants in the UK?

Bare root strawberry runners are best planted between October and April. This gives the plants time to establish strong roots ready for the growing season. If planting outside in the mid of winter you can help the plants by making sure the ground is well prepared and covering them for some extra help but this is not essential.

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How far apart should strawberry plants be spaced?

If growing in the ground - They want to be in rows spaced every 45cm and 75cm apart. This gives the rows and plants space to spread out and reduce the risk of disease. 

 

What soil is best for growing strawberries?
Strawberries thrive in well-drained, fertile soil with plenty of organic matter.

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Do strawberries need full sun or partial shade?

For the best yields plant strawberries in a spot with at least 6-8 hours of direct sunlight per day. They will tolerate light shade but fruiting will be reduced. 

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How long do strawberry plants take to fruit after planting?

Your bare root runners should produce a small crop of fruit in the first year but full crops will come in years 2 and 3. 

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​How should you plant bare root strawberry runners?

The crown of the plant should be at surface level, securing the soil around the roots and removing any air pockets. Water well and mulch can be added around the crown to protect roots from cold weather. 

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Should I remove the flowers from my strawberry plants?

You can remove the flowers from your strawberry plants in the first year. This will make the plant put more energy into growing rather than producing fruit. This can help lead to a larger harvest in year 2. It is not essential to do and if you would prefer to just have fruit in the first year it is perfectly fine to let the plants flower and fruit in year 1.

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How long do strawberry plants last?

We recommend changing your strawberry plants every 3 years. This is because the yield will start to drop if they are left any longer than this and also the risk of disease developing in the plants goes up. Refreshing with new certified runners every 3 years will help to stop this. 

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Which strawberry variety is best for beginners?

We recommend growing a variety like Cambridge Favourite or Hapil if you are new to growing strawberries. This is because they have a good tolerance to disease and are easy to grow under most conditions. They also both produce good crops of tasty strawberries.

 

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