How to Plant Strawberry Plants

When to plant

University of Minnesota Extension says to plant dormant bare-root strawberries in spring as soon as the soil is warm enough to get a trowel into. Potted plants go in soon after purchase, once the risk of frost has passed.

Bare-root or potted

Bare-root plants arrive small and brown, and they need to go in quickly. Keep the roots moist until planting. Potted plants from a garden center should look vigorous, with no discolored leaves.

Crown depth is the whole game

This is the step that kills more new strawberry plants than anything else. Plant the center of the crown at the soil line, with the roots fully buried and the growing point visible, as Minnesota Extension puts it. Bury the crown and it rots. Leave the roots showing and they dry out.

Spacing

Minnesota Extension suggests 18 to 24 inches between plants and 3 to 4 feet between rows, which leaves room for runners to fill in. In a small bed or a raised bed, a grid of 1 by 1 foot or 2 by 2 feet also works. Choose a spot with at least six hours of direct sun. Ten or more is ideal.

The first few weeks

• Pinch off any flower buds that appear in the first few weeks, so the plant builds roots.
• Water about an inch a week, ideally at the soil so the leaves stay dry.
• Place or remove runners through the season, or they will take over the bed.

Work well-rotted compost into the bed before planting. The plants stay for years, so this is your one chance.

Sources

• Growing strawberries in the home garden (University of Minnesota Extension)