Secrets of planting and caring for everbearing strawberries

Everbearing strawberries are a variety that has become popular among gardeners due to their unique characteristics. This variety can yield fruit several times a year. However, achieving excellent results requires following a specific growing technique.

General information

Depending on the variety, the berry can produce fruit from May to October. By combining different varieties in a plot, you can achieve a high yield.
Strawberry cultivation is quite complex. Producing fruit several times a season weakens the crop. In some cases, the plant dies in the first year. We decided to share the secrets of growing this sweet berry.

Everbearing strawberries: planting and care at home

Preparing for landing

Everbearing strawberries prefer fertile, well-drained soil. If the soil is heavy, adding sand is recommended.
The best predecessors are beans, radishes, mustard, and parsley.
It's best to prepare the planting site in the fall. The soil should be tilled and weeds removed. Afterwards, the soil should be fertilized. Fertilizers containing phosphorus and humus are excellent.
With the arrival of spring, preparatory work resumes. Three weeks before planting, the soil should be fertilized with manure. Planting takes place as early as May.
When planting in the fall, the soil should also be prepared in advance. This can begin as early as August and continue until September. It's best to meet these deadlines so the seedlings can establish roots before the cold weather sets in.

Planting methods

Nest. The most convenient option. Used for varieties propagated by tendrils.

Fruiting occurs immediately after the whiskers take root.
Carpet. Strawberries are planted using a 20x20 cm pattern. The plants will fill the available space over time.

Row. The distance between seedlings should be 20-25 cm, and between rows – 70 cm.

See also how to do it raised beds for strawberries.

Planting strawberries

First, make holes 10-15 cm deep. First, water them, then place the seedlings in them and cover with soil.

It's important that the plant's root collar is above ground. After planting, strawberries need to be watered.
Planting material
Propagation can also be done by seed. To do this, seedlings need to be grown. For this purpose, seeds are planted in a greenhouse in January. This will allow the seedlings to grow stronger and be ready for planting outdoors in the spring.
One of the simplest methods of propagation is by tendrils. This method is used when there are a large number of tendrils.
If there are not enough of them, then you can use the method of dividing the bush.

Caring for everbearing strawberries

Care consists of the following activities:
— Loosening or mulching the soil. This procedure is especially important after watering.

Loosening the soil should be done carefully to avoid damaging the plant's roots and tendrils. If mulching has been applied, loosening should be done much less frequently. Mulch should be done with dry grass, sawdust, or peat.

— Watering. It must be high-quality and timely. Watering is especially important during fruit ripening and in dry weather.
— Top dressing. Herbal infusions are often used for this purpose. Infusions of bird droppings or manure are also effective.
— Pest and disease control.

The most common strawberry diseases are: gray mold, powdery mildew, brown spot.

Among the known pests are the strawberry mite. It can be controlled by spraying the crop with a malathion solution.
— Removing foliage and tendrils. Regular removal of tendrils is essential. This procedure promotes larger berries.

Preparing crops for winter

In the fall, everbearing strawberries need to be properly prepared for the winter season. Mature plants need to be fertilized.
Flower stalks are removed from young plants. This will mean sacrificing the future harvest. This is because the berries will not ripen before the cold weather sets in.
The foliage is removed when the first frost arrives.

The holes also require special care. They need to be aired before the cold weather sets in. After loosening the soil, fill it with rotted leaves.
In low temperatures, it's a good idea to cover strawberry bushes with trimmed leaves. Spruce branches or grass clippings can be used as cover.

If you follow the basic rules for growing strawberries, they will surely delight the owner with a high harvest for many years.

You might also find this article useful: How to plant strawberries in the fall.