Planting strawberry young plants with naked roots

When to plant bare-root strawberry young plants?

Strawberry young plants with bare roots should be planted upon receipt: do not let the roots dry out. If planting isn’t immediately possible, you can store them in the refrigerator or, in their packaging, in a cool place.

Planting large-fruited varieties, whether perpetual or not, is preferably done in late summer and autumn.

Conversely, everbearing strawberries are planted in spring.

Where to plant your strawberry plants?

To plant your strawberry plants, choose:

• a sunny spot for large-fruited varieties,
• a partially shaded area for wild strawberries.

Strawberry plants can be planted both in the ground and in pots, to be placed on a terrace or balcony.

As perennials, they remain in place for 3 to 4 years.

In the vegetable garden, strawberry young plants are good companions for garlic, beans, lettuce, onions, leeks, thyme and spinach. However, they do not appreciate the company of cabbages and other brassicas.

Wild strawberries are best planted in partial shade

What soil should I use to plant strawberries?

Strawberries thrive in rich, deep, well-drained, slightly acidic soil.

A few months before planting, loosen the earth with an organic fork and add a generous amount of well-rotted compost. In chalky soil, incorporate turf and later apply an acidic mulch (pine bark, needles…).

How to plant?

Root dipping for bare-root young plants:

Whether planting in the ground or in pots, it is advisable to soak bare-root young plants in root dip, to prevent air pockets forming between the roots and the soil.

Root dip is prepared by mixing 1/3 very fine soil or compost, 1/3 cow manure or compost and 1/3 rainwater. Root dip can also be purchased commercially. This practice isn’t essential but ensures better establishment of strawberry plants.

Planting strawberries in the ground:

• If your soil is wet, plant strawberries on mounds 10 to 20 cm high.
• Space plants 35 cm apart in all directions.
• Dig a hole wide enough, place the plant spreading the roots out like a fan and cover with fine soil (the collar should be level with the soil surface).
• Water thoroughly.

Planting strawberries in pots:

• Place a layer of gravel or clay pebbles at the bottom of the pot to aid drainage.
• Fill the pot with a mixture of compost, garden soil and compost.
• Place the plant spreading the roots out like a fan, cover with soil (the collar should be level with the soil surface) and firm well.
• Water thoroughly.

Proper planting and good mulching ensure abundant harvests