Strawberries and wild strawberries are the most warm- and sun-loving garden berries. The quantity and juiciness of ripe berries depend on the amount of sun in the summer. However, this isn't the only factor in growing them. It's important to follow the correct dates and procedures for planting seeds and transplanting sprouted plants into open ground.
Planting dates
Plant strawberries for seedlings Sowing from seeds in 2021 depends on several factors. First and foremost, the lunar phase. The gardening calendar lists specific days when it's best to sow the soil to avoid harming the plant and promote its growth. The date for planting the seeds is influenced by the climate conditions of the region where they will germinate.
By the moon
Favorable days strawberry plantings for seedlings the following:
| Month | Favorable days |
| January | 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 21, 22, 26, 27 |
| February | 2, 3, 4, 5, 8, 9, 17, 18, 19 |
| March | 1, 2, 3, 4, 7, 8, 17, 18, 29, 30, 31 |
There are also other days when it's best not to plant strawberries or perform other types of gardening. This is because any intervention during this period can damage the plant and increase the vulnerability of living organisms. These days include January 12, 13, 14, and 28; February 10, 11, 12, and 27; and March 12, 13, 14, and 28.
By region
The optimal time to plant berry seeds for seedlings is late February to early March. However, this timeframe may vary slightly depending on the region where the berries will be grown.
- central Russia (Orel, Moscow, Moscow region, Vladimir, Tver regions, etc.) – mid-January – mid-February;
- southern part (Crimea, Altai Krai) – any period from January to March;
- Northern regions (Urals, Siberia) – end of March – end of February.
In the northern part of the country, strawberries, like wild strawberries, are rarely grown. This is due to the lack of suitable climatic conditions and the need for careful plant care. However, even if favorable conditions for planting strawberries as seedlings are met, the berries can still ripen small and sour, so it's best to grow them in warm greenhouses.
How to plant strawberry seedlings
Plant the berry seeds deep in the soil, following the planting calendar. Use shallow containers—up to 5-6 cm deep—for this purpose. A plastic container with a lid is ideal. Make small holes in the bottom to allow for good air circulation and drainage. You can make these holes with a hot needle or awl. Place the container on a tray or plastic sheet to prevent damage to the surface where it will sit from any leaking liquid.
Soil preparation
Purchase a ready-made potting mix for growing garden berries for seedlings at a gardening store; GreenWorld soil is best. You can also make your own by mixing equal parts sand, vermiculite, and leaf mold. Strawberries grow best in loose soil, so sift the soil first.
It is recommended to additionally treat it with a special preparation called "Maxim." This is necessary to disinfect it from fungus and insect larvae, as well as prevent the development of blackleg infestation in young seedlings.
Seed preparation
Remove the seeds from their packaging and separate the whole seeds from those with defects. Pre-soak them to improve germination. To do this, place them on a napkin generously moistened with filtered water or melted snow. Leave them to swell for 2-3 days, refreshing the water daily.
Landing
Plant strawberry seedlings at home like this:
- Fill the seedling container with soil. Cover it with a layer of snow up to 1 cm thick.
- Spread the seeds over the surface at a distance of 2-3 cm.
- Cover it with a lid or tightly seal it with plastic wrap. Move it to the bottom shelf of the refrigerator for 3 days.
- Place the container in a warm place, such as a windowsill. The temperature should be between 20 and 25 degrees Celsius.
This planting method is the most successful, as the seeds are evenly distributed over the surface under a layer of snow and are drawn into the soil to the required depth by the meltwater. Furthermore, the planting process itself is simpler, as there is no need to dig holes and fill them with soil.
Care
Even if strawberry planting was done according to the lunar calendar, growing them may still be unsuccessful if key conditions are not met. This is especially true for light. Insufficient light will slow seedling growth, so use grow lights.
Care also includes daily humidification. To achieve this, ventilate the container daily, but only briefly and in a location away from the seedling. Until seedlings emerge, monitor the container's condition and promptly wipe away any condensation from the lid. Once the first seedlings appear, usually 1-2 days after sowing, uncover the container. Mist the soil with a spray bottle up to 2-3 times a week.
Another important part of care is pruning. This is necessary to create more space for the root system to fully develop and the seedling to grow. This is done after the sprout has 2-3 true leaves.
Planting in a garden bed
The timing of planting garden strawberry or wild strawberry seedlings outdoors depends on the plant's maturity, which varies for each variety. Find out how many days after sowing the seeds you can transplant the plant outdoors. An important requirement is that by this time, it should have developed at least six true leaves. Perform this procedure in several stages.
- Don't water the seedlings for 2-3 days before planting, allowing the soil to dry out slightly. This is necessary so that they can be removed from the container as a solid lump, formed around the root system.
- Create holes in the bed, preferably in a staggered pattern. The planting pattern also varies for each variety, depending on its size.
- Plant each seedling deep enough so that its rosette is level with the soil or slightly higher than it.
- Compact the soil around the seedling and water it with warm, settled water.
Further care for the berries throughout the season consists of periodic loosening of the soil, weeding, and watering. The latter is not necessary during rainy summers. It's also worth noting that strawberries and wild strawberries are warm-season and light-loving plants, so it's recommended to create the bed in a sunny, sunlit area.
Possible errors
Even if you strictly adhere to the planting dates according to the lunar calendar and the region's climate, the seedlings may grow stunted or fail to sprout at all. This will have a detrimental effect on the harvest. To prevent this, avoid the following mistakes:
- over- or under-watering of the soil;
- failure to comply with temperature conditions;
- too close planting;
- lack of light.
All this can lead to the garden plant becoming infected with blackleg. If you still can't avoid the unpleasant consequences, spray the seedlings with a special solution of phytosporin, which is sold ready-made at gardening stores. This treatment can also be used to prevent the disease.
Read also
Sow strawberry and wild strawberry seeds according to the lunar phase and the climate in your region. Strictly adhere to the planting and care instructions. This way, you'll be sure to grow delicious and juicy berries.


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