How to plant strawberries in the fall

September is not only the time for harvesting and re-digging the beds for the next season, but also for planting strawberries. Strawberries typically grow in the same spot for four to five years, so after this period, the strawberry bed needs to be refreshed. At first glance, it seems simple: remove old, dried-out bushes and plant new shoots deep into the soil. But how do you properly plant strawberries in the fall? That's the topic of our publication.

When should you plant strawberries?

This is done in the second half of September—between hot weather and the first frost. If you try to plant strawberries in too warm a time, the bushes may dry out and become depleted from excessive sun exposure. Late planting (closer to October) is another extreme, as the strawberry plant shoots may freeze and not survive the following season.

So, for the sake of strawberries, it's worth setting aside a day or two and visiting the dacha in September, even if you were already planning to end the summer season and not return to your plot until spring.

If you are not going to replant the bushes, then find out, How to feed strawberries after harvesting.

How to plant strawberries correctly in the fall?

1. The initial stage (preparing the bed itself) depends on whether you're building a strawberry bed from scratch or simply planting new strawberry plants alongside existing rows. For the former, you'll need to completely dig the bed, clear the soil of excess roots, and carefully check the soil for cockchafer larvae, which destroy the roots of berry bushes. For the latter (if you've previously failed to protect your strawberries from pests and the bed is now bare in some areas), digging isn't an option: simply make shallow holes in the desired areas with a hoe.

2. Walk around the prepared holes with a watering can and water them thoroughly: strawberries can only be planted in moist soil in the fall! Wait until the soil has absorbed the liquid before planting.

3. Carefully examine the strawberry plant. Healthy, well-developed roots, a plant collar, and a few leaves—these are the parts of a quality plant. To help the strawberry plant take root faster and focus all its energy on establishing roots in its new location, pluck off any excess leaves about 1 cm from the plant collar.

4. Push the strawberry plant's roots into the moist soil, burying them well. Then, cover them with dry soil, which will act as mulch and protect the soil from rapid moisture evaporation. When covering the strawberry plant with soil, be careful: don't plant it too deep, otherwise it may freeze during the first frost! The crown of the plant should be exposed; only the roots should be below ground. Plant the remaining strawberry plants in the same manner.

That's it, the young strawberry bushes are already in place – getting ready to overwinter and then produce a generous harvest!

A day after planting, lightly moisten the soil beneath the bushes with water (use a watering can), then leave them to the September rains. Planting strawberries in the fall can be uncomfortable due to the cooled soil and cold air. But it's still worth it if you want to enjoy the most delicious and sweet strawberries grown in your own garden next season!

Also find out, How to transplant currants to a new location in the fall.