How To Plant Bare Root Strawberries: 8 Steps For A Big Harvest
Unlock an abundance of sweet strawberries by mastering the art of planting and caring for bare root crowns in your own garden.
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Bare Root Strawberries: How and When To Plant Them
Thereâs nothing quite as satisfying as savoring a sun-warmed, just-picked strawberry straight from your own garden. Whether you want a decorative ground cover or a bounty of berries for your table, strawberries are a rewardingâand surprisingly beginner-friendlyâfruit to grow at home. The most cost-effective and reliable way to establish a strawberry patch is with bare root strawberries. Understanding how to select, plant, and care for these dormant crowns is essential for an abundant harvest.
What Are Bare Root Strawberries?
Bare root strawberries are dormant crowns and root systems that have been harvested directly from mature mother plants, cleaned of soil, and kept in cool storage. While they may appear lifelessâgnarled roots resembling little alien tentaclesâthey are actually in a state of rest, waiting to spring into action once planted. Unlike strawberry plugs, which are young plants growing in pots, bare root crowns arrive without soil and must be awakened and handled properly for best results.
- Bare root crowns are harvested, cleaned, and shipped dormant, ready for planting.
- They offer a cost-effective way to start a large strawberry patch.
- Once established, plants are eager to yield berries continuously for several seasons.
Bare root strawberries are favored for both home and commercial growers because they adapt quickly and mature into robust fruit producers when planted at the right time of year.
Benefits of Growing Strawberries From Bare Root Crowns
- Economical: Bare root crowns are less expensive than potted plants, especially when planting en masse.
- Vigorous Growth: When handled properly, bare root strawberries quickly establish strong root systems, leading to healthy and productive plants.
- Less Soil-Borne Disease: Because they are shipped without soil, the risk of importing pests and diseases is reduced.
- Long-Term Harvests: Bare root plants often yield for multiple seasons with proper care.
- Adaptable Planting: Suitable for garden beds, containers, hanging baskets, or as ground covers.
Bare Root vs. Plugs: Whatâs the Difference?
| Feature | Bare Root Crowns | Strawberry Plugs |
|---|---|---|
| Appearance | Dormant crowns with exposed roots | Young, potted plants with leaves and roots |
| Planting Season | Early spring (while dormant) | Spring or fall (actively growing) |
| Establishment Speed | Fast with proper preparation | Quick but already growing |
| Cost | Lower (especially in bulk) | Higher per plant |
| Disease Risk | Lower (no soil) | Higher (soil-borne issues possible) |
Bare root crowns are the most common choice for those starting new strawberry beds, offering a budget-friendly way to fill up space and maximize yields.
When to Plant Bare Root Strawberries
Timing matters when planting bare root strawberries. The crowns should be planted in early spring, as soon as the soil can be worked and just before new growth begins. In most regions, this means planting between late winter and early spring. The goal is to get the crowns in the ground while they are still dormant, which encourages strong root development as the weather warms.
- Plant in early springâas soon as the soil thaws and is workable.
- Avoid planting during freezing conditions or when heavy frosts are expected.
- Cool, moist soil helps roots establish before the heat of summer.
How to Store Bare Root Crowns Before Planting
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Bare root strawberry crowns should be planted as soon as possible after arrival. If you must delay planting for a few days, store the crowns in the refrigerator, loosely wrapped in damp paper towels to maintain moisture and airflow. Remove any packaging ties or rubber bands to prevent compression and rot.
- Keep crowns moist but not soggy.
- Allow for airflow between crowns by separating them.
- Avoid storing in sealed containers or plastic bags.
Pre-Planting Preparation: Soaking and Reviving Crowns
About 1â12 hours before planting, soak the roots of bare root crowns in water to rehydrate and awaken them from dormancy. Use a diluted water solution and submerge only the roots (not the crown itself) to prevent rot. This step ensures the roots are hydrated and ready to begin growing as soon as theyâre in the ground.
- Soak roots for 1â12 hours before planting.
- Do not submerge crowns or leavesâjust the roots.
- Avoid oversoaking (do not leave them in water overnight).
Choosing the Best Site and Soil
Strawberries need full sun and well-draining soil for optimal growth. Select a location that receives at least 6â8 hours of sunlight daily. In hot climates, some afternoon shade can help prevent leaf scorch. The ideal soil is rich, slightly acidic (pH 6â6.5), and amended with compost or organic matter for fertility and drainage.
- Sunlight: Full sun preferred (some afternoon shade in very hot areas).
- Soil: Well-draining, rich in organic matter, slightly acidic (pH 6â6.5).
- Avoid areas where tomatoes, peppers, eggplant, or potatoes have grown recently (to reduce risk of soil pathogens).
- Suitable for raised beds, containers, or traditional garden rows.
How to Plant Bare Root Strawberries: Step-by-Step
- Prepare the Soil: Loosen soil to a depth of 8â12 inches. Mix in compost for fertility.
- Soak Crowns: Hydrate roots for 1â12 hours as described above.
- Dig Planting Holes: Each hole should be large enough to spread out the roots. Typically, 6 inches deep and about a foot in diameter.
- Create a Mound: Build a small mound of soil at the bottom of each hole to help spread the roots downward and outward.
- Position the Crown: Place the crown at soil levelânever buried, never exposed. The roots should fan out over the mound, and the point where the roots meet the crown should be level with the soil surface.
- Backfill and Firm: Gently cover the roots with soil, ensuring the crown remains at the correct depth. Firm soil gently around the plant.
- Space Plants: Space each strawberry plant at least 15 inches apart to allow for airflow and future growth.
- Water Well: Immediately water after planting to settle soil around roots.
Proper planting depth is criticalâburying the crown can cause rot, while planting too shallowly leads to drying out. Visualize the crown as the plantâs âneckâ; it should sit right at the soil line.
Container Growing and Raised Beds
Bare root strawberries are perfectly suited for large containers, hanging baskets, and raised garden beds. These options improve drainage and make managing soil quality easier. Choose high-quality potting mix enriched with compost for containers, and ensure pots have drainage holes.
- Space plants 12â15 inches apart in containers or raised beds.
- Use at least a 12-inch-diameter pot for each plant, or one large trough-style planter for several crowns.
- Water more frequently in containers, as they dry out faster than in-ground beds.
Strawberry Plant Types: June-Bearing, Everbearing, and Day-Neutral
- June-Bearing: Produce one large crop per year in late spring to early summer.
- Everbearing: Yield two to three harvests per seasonâearly summer, midsummer, and late summer or early fall.
- Day-Neutral: Bear fruit continuously throughout the growing season, as long as temperatures remain moderate.
Choose the type that matches your harvesting goals and local climate.
Initial Care After Planting
- Keep soil consistently moist (not soggy) during initial establishment.
- Mulch around plants with straw or shredded leaves to retain moisture and suppress weeds.
- Remove any flowers that form in the first few weeks to encourage strong root development.
- Monitor for signs of stress, such as wilting or discoloration, and adjust watering as needed.
Ongoing Strawberry Plant Care
Watering
- Water two to three times per week; increase frequency for potted plants or during hot, dry weather.
- Keep soil moist but never waterlogged.
Fertilizing
- Feed with a balanced organic fertilizer in midsummer and after heavy harvests.
- Avoid excessive nitrogen, which encourages leaf growth over fruiting.
Pruning and Maintenance
- Thin out old, brown leaves throughout the season to promote airflow.
- Remove any rotting fruit to prevent disease.
- Trim runners (long stems with baby plants) if you want to concentrate plant energy on fruiting.
Mulching
- Apply a 2â3 inch layer of straw or organic mulch around plants.
- This helps conserve moisture, suppress weeds, and keep fruit clean.
Spacing and Thinning
- Maintain 15 inches between plants for optimal airflow and reduced disease.
- Thin out overcrowded patches every few seasons.
Pollination and Fruiting
- Strawberries are self-pollinating but benefit from insect activity like bees for maximum yield.
- Encourage pollinators by planting nearby flowers.
Harvesting Bare Root Strawberries
- Wait until berries are deep red, fragrant, and fully ripe before picking.
- Harvest in the morning when fruits are coolest for best flavor and shelf life.
- Snip berries with a short section of stem attached to extend storage life.
- Refrigerate immediately or freeze in single layers for later use.
Common Problems and Troubleshooting
- Rotting Crowns: Caused by planting crowns too deep or overly wet soil.
- Pest Issues: Slugs, snails, and birds may target fruitâuse netting or organic deterrents.
- Disease: Root rot and leaf diseases can be prevented with good spacing and proper watering.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: How long do bare root strawberries take to fruit?
With proper care, new bare root strawberries generally begin to yield in their first growing season, though peak harvests often occur in the second year as the plants mature.
Q: Can I plant bare root strawberries in summer or fall?
Itâs best to plant in early spring while plants are still dormant. Planting in hot summer weather can stress the roots and reduce success. In mild climates, fall planting is possible, but spring is preferred.
Q: How do I keep birds and pests from eating my berries?
Use bird netting, floating row covers, or lightweight mesh to protect ripening fruit. Mulching and hand-picking pests also help.
Q: Can I plant bare root strawberries indoors?
Strawberries need full sunlight and ample airflow, so they are best grown outdoors or in greenhouses. Indoor growing requires strong supplemental lighting and careful attention to humidity.
Q: Should I remove flowers in the first year?
Yes, for bare root plants, remove the first flush of flowers to encourage deeper root establishment. This pays off with larger harvests in subsequent years.
Summary
Bare root strawberries are an affordable, beginner-friendly way to grow luscious berries right at home. With the right timing, proper soaking, careful planting, and attentive ongoing care, your strawberry patch will reward you with sweet, sun-ripened fruit for years to come. Whether you choose raised beds, containers, or garden rows, mastery of the bare root planting method unlocks a world of flavor, color, and gardening satisfaction.
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