How to Grow Big Strawberries (Organically)

How to Grow Big Strawberries (Organically)

Introduction

Strawberries, with their vibrant red hue and irresistible sweetness, are a favorite in many gardens. However, growing large, juicy strawberries organically requires understanding the right techniques and the differences between their types, mainly June-bearing and ever-bearing strawberries. Click here for more information about our strawberries for sale.

Why Grow Big Strawberries Organically?

Growing big strawberries organically is a rewarding way to enjoy fresh strawberries with a sweet flavor while ensuring healthy, vigorous plants free from harmful chemicals. By using organic fertilizer, straw mulch, and adding organic matter like bone meal or kelp meal, you can promote plant growth and enhance fruit production without risking the contamination of your strawberry patch.

Whether you’re growing June-bearing strawberries or everbearing strawberries, organic methods help your young strawberry plants thrive in raised beds and garden beds, producing ripe fruit and delicious berries throughout the growing season, all while reducing the risk of fungal diseases and infected fruit.

Fresh Strawberry growing

Understanding Strawberry Types: June-bearing vs. Ever-bearing vs. Day-Neutral

Before diving into the cultivation process, it's important l to understand the types of strawberries, as this influences their care and harvesting. Strawberries are mainly categorized into three types: June-bearing, ever-bearing, and day-neutral.

June-bearing strawberries

These berries produce a single, large crop per year, usually over a period of three weeks. Despite their name, the exact timing of this crop can vary depending on the local climate; in warmer regions, it might occur as early as May, while in cooler areas, it could be in late June. These varieties are known for producing larger berries, but their once-a-year harvest limits continuous production.

Ever-bearing strawberries

These berries produce two to three smaller harvests throughout the growing season. While the individual berries might be slightly smaller compared to June-bearing varieties, the extended harvest period is a significant advantage for those who enjoy fresh strawberries over a longer time.

Day Neutral strawberries

Day neutral strawberries are an excellent choice for gardeners looking to extend their fruit production throughout the growing season. Unlike June bearing strawberries, which produce a single harvest in early summer, day neutral plants produce ripe strawberries continuously, starting from early spring and continuing through early fall.

By planting young strawberry plants in raised beds or a strawberry bed, gardeners can enjoy fresh strawberries and delicious berries for fresh eating all season long, making day neutral varieties a great option for those seeking a steady supply of ripe fruit without the need to harvest strawberries all at once.

Strawberry plantation

Comparison of the Three Varieties

When comparing June bearing strawberries, everbearing strawberries, and day neutral strawberries, each variety offers unique benefits for how to grow big strawberries based on your growing conditions and harvest preferences.

June bearing strawberries thrive with proper care, such as ensuring full sun, using organic mulch, and providing sufficient water to encourage a large crop of ripe fruit in early summer, making them perfect for gardeners looking to harvest strawberries all at once.

Everbearing strawberries, while offering fruit production throughout the season, may require more attention to moisture levels and consistent organic fertilizer to support multiple harvests, helping them produce big strawberries in smaller batches.

On the other hand, day neutral strawberries excel in providing continuous ripe strawberries throughout the growing season, with a focus on maintaining soil health through organic matter, and they tend to thrive when planted in raised beds or a strawberry patch, producing delicious berries consistently for fresh eating and juicy strawberries.

Each variety benefits from appropriate plant growth techniques and tailored care to ensure the mother plant and young strawberry plants produce the largest possible berries.

The Biology of Strawberry Growth

The biology of strawberry growth is fascinating, as it involves the development of young strawberry plants into vigorous plants capable of producing ripe strawberries. Key factors affecting plant growth and the size and flavor of the berries include proper sunlight, soil health, and consistent moisture.

For example, June bearing strawberries typically produce larger ripe fruit due to their single, concentrated harvest in early summer, while day neutral strawberries offer smaller, continuous harvests throughout the growing season.

By maintaining a strawberry bed with organic mulch and adding nutrients like bone meal or kelp meal, gardeners can enhance fruit production and promote the growth of big strawberries with a sweet flavor for fresh strawberries and delicious berries.

Photo of a Hand Reaching for a Fresh Strawberry from a Plant

Planning Your Organic Strawberry Garden

Choosing the Right Variety

Selecting the right variety is the first step towards growing large strawberries. For organic gardens, choosing disease-resistant varieties can reduce the need for chemical interventions. Some popular choices for large berries include 'Chandler' and 'Sequoia' for June-bearing and 'Fort Laramie' and 'Ozark Beauty' for ever-bearing. Your local nursery can guide you on the best varieties for your specific climate and soil conditions.

Preparing the Soil: The Foundation of Organic Gardening

Soil preparation is paramount in organic gardening. Strawberries thrive in well-drained, loamy soil with a pH between 5.5 and 6.8. Conduct a soil test to determine your soil's pH and nutrient levels. Amend your soil with organic matter like compost or well-rotted manure to improve fertility and structure. This step is crucial for robust plant growth and large fruit development.

Planting and Spacing

When planting strawberries, the timing is crucial. Early spring or late fall is ideal, depending on your region. Proper spacing is essential to give each plant enough room to grow and access nutrients. Space June-bearing plants about 18-24 inches apart in rows spaced 3-4 feet apart, while ever-bearing varieties can be slightly closer due to their smaller size.

Sun & Water

Strawberries require full sun for optimal growth and fruit development. Ensure your garden spot receives at least 6-8 hours of direct sunlight daily. This exposure is crucial for the photosynthesis process, leading to bigger and sweeter berries.

Water is a critical component in growing strawberries. The key is consistent moisture, especially during fruit development. Strawberries need about 1 to 2 inches of water per week. Drip irrigation or a soaker hose is ideal for providing deep, even watering while keeping leaves dry, which is essential for preventing fungal diseases.

Girl Picking up Strawberries in Greenhouse

Starting Your Strawberry Plants

Seedlings vs. Bare-Root Plants

When deciding between seedlings and bare-root plants for growing strawberries, both options have their pros and cons.

Bare-root plants are typically more affordable and easier to plant in raised beds or a strawberry bed, offering a quicker start to fruit production, while seedlings allow for earlier planting of young strawberry plants and can often provide more vigorous plant growth.

For those looking to grow big strawberries organically, sourcing new strawberry plants from reputable organic nurseries, like GrowOrganic.com, Peaceful Valley Farm & Garden Supply, which offers a variety of organic seeds, plants, trees, and more, ensures disease resistance and healthy young plants, whether you choose June bearing strawberries, everbearing strawberries, or day neutral strawberries.

Closeup of a Strawberry Plant

Planting Strategies for Bigger Yields

For how to grow big strawberries, proper planting strategies are essential to maximize fruit production and ensure vigorous plants. When planting young strawberry plants, space June bearing varieties 18-24 inches apart to allow room for growth, while day neutral strawberries can be planted closer together for continuous ripe strawberries throughout the growing season.

Additionally, incorporating companion planting by adding herbs like basil or marigolds near your strawberry patch can help improve plant health by deterring pests and promoting healthier strawberry flowers.

Use organic mulch and maintain soil moisture to encourage robust plant growth and larger, delicious berries with a sweet flavor for fresh strawberries and ripe fruit.

Selective Focus Photography of Strawberry Fruit

Organic Soil Management

Organic Fertilization: Feeding Your Plants Naturally

Organic fertilization is about feeding the soil as much as the plant. Use a balanced organic fertilizer at planting time and then switch to a high-potassium fertilizer during flowering and fruiting. Potassium is crucial for fruit development and overall plant health. Avoid over-fertilization, as it can lead to lush foliage at the expense of fruit production.

Strawberries thrive in well-drained, fertile soil with a slightly acidic to neutral pH (around 5.5 to 6.8). To create the ideal growing conditions, several soil amendments can be beneficial:

  1. Organic Matter: Adding organic matter is one of the most important amendments for strawberry beds. This includes:
    • Compost: Rich in nutrients and microorganisms, compost improves soil structure, drainage, and nutrient availability.
    • Well-Rotted Manure: A great source of nutrients, it also improves soil texture. Ensure it is well-rotted to avoid burning the plants or introducing pathogens.
  2. Sand: If your soil is heavy and clayey, adding coarse sand can improve drainage. Strawberries do not perform well in waterlogged soil.
  3. Peat Moss or Coconut Coir: These amendments can help increase the soil's water retention ability, which is beneficial for sandy soils. They also slightly acidify the soil, which can be helpful if your soil is too alkaline.
  4. Perlite or Vermiculite: These inorganic amendments improve soil aeration and drainage, making them useful in compact or clayey soils.
  5. Lime: If a soil test reveals that your soil is too acidic (pH below 5.5), adding lime can help raise the pH to a more suitable level for strawberries. Lime also adds calcium, which is essential for plant growth.
  6. Gypsum: If your soil needs more calcium but the pH is already optimal, gypsum is a good choice as it adds calcium without altering the soil pH.
  7. Epsom Salt (Magnesium Sulfate): If your soil is deficient in magnesium, Epsom salt can be a useful amendment. Magnesium is crucial for plant growth and fruit development.
  8. Bone Meal or Rock Phosphate: These are excellent sources of phosphorus, which is essential for root development and fruiting. They also provide calcium.
  9. Blood Meal or Fish Emulsion: These are good organic sources of nitrogen, beneficial for leaf and stem growth. However, they should be used sparingly to avoid excessive vegetative growth at the expense of fruit production.
  10. Mulch: While not mixed into the soil, applying mulch around strawberry plants helps maintain soil moisture, regulate temperature, suppress weeds, and add organic matter as it breaks down.

It's important to conduct a soil test before making amendments to understand your soil's specific needs. This will guide you in making the most appropriate and effective adjustments to create the ideal growing environment for your strawberries.

Mulching for Moisture, Weed Control, and Cleanliness

Mulching is a vital organic practice. Straw or pine needles are excellent choices for strawberry beds. They help retain soil moisture, suppress weeds, and keep the fruits clean by preventing them from touching the soil directly. Mulching also adds organic matter to the soil as it decomposes.

Irrigation sprinkler

Watering and Irrigation Techniques

How Much Water Do Strawberries Need?

When learning how to grow big strawberries, it's crucial to balance hydration for optimal fruit production and plant growth. Strawberry plants need consistent moisture, especially during the growing season, to help ripe strawberries develop large, delicious berries with a sweet flavor.

However, overwatering can lead to root rot and fungal diseases, so it's essential to keep the soil moist but not waterlogged, ensuring the plants have enough hydration without drowning the roots. Using organic mulch around your strawberry bed helps maintain moisture levels and promotes healthy, vigorous plants for maximum ripe fruit and fresh strawberries throughout the season.

Efficient Irrigation Systems

Efficient irrigation systems, like drip irrigation and rainwater harvesting, are essential for growing strawberries and ensuring healthy plant growth throughout the growing season. Drip irrigation delivers water directly to the base of young strawberry plants, keeping the soil consistently moist while preventing overwatering and minimizing the risk of fungal diseases.

Rainwater harvesting is a sustainable way to gather and store water for watering strawberry beds, providing a cost-effective, eco-friendly solution to maintain the hydration levels needed for big strawberries and ripe fruit production, particularly for June bearing varieties and day neutral strawberries.

Snail on Top of Strawberry

Organic Pest and Disease Management

Organic gardening doesn't mean letting pests and diseases run rampant. Regular monitoring is key. Handpick pests when possible, and use organic insecticidal soaps or neem oil for more significant infestations. For diseases, proper plant spacing and avoiding overhead watering are critical preventive measures. If needed, use organic fungicides, ensuring they are suitable for edible plants.

Identifying Common Pests and Diseases

When learning how to grow big strawberries, it's important to keep an eye out for common pests and diseases that can affect strawberry plants and their fruit production. Aphids, slugs, and fungal diseases like powdery mildew can harm your plants and reduce the quality of ripe strawberries.

Signs of stress in your plants, such as wilting leaves or yellowing, indicate the presence of pests or disease resistance issues, which may impact strawberries' ability to produce fruit. Regular inspection and organic pest control methods can help ensure healthy strawberry beds, allowing your plants to thrive and produce juicy strawberries throughout the growing season.

Ladybug eating yellow aphids

Natural Pest Control Solutions

To effectively manage pests while growing strawberries, natural pest control solutions like beneficial insects and homemade organic sprays can help protect your strawberry plants from harmful pests. Introducing ladybugs or lacewings can control aphids and other insects, ensuring healthy young strawberry plants and boosting fruit production.

Additionally, DIY organic sprays made from ingredients like garlic or neem oil can deter fungal diseases and keep your strawberry patch free from unwanted pests, allowing ripe strawberries to thrive and produce fruit throughout the growing season.

Preventing Disease Organically

To prevent disease organically while growing strawberries, practices like crop rotation and maintaining proper hygiene and sanitation are essential for healthy strawberry plants. Rotating strawberry varieties, such as June bearing strawberries and everbearing strawberries, helps reduce the buildup of soil-borne pathogens and promotes stronger plant growth.

Regularly cleaning your tools, removing diseased foliage, and using organic mulch can also protect your strawberry bed from fungal diseases, ensuring abundant ripe strawberries with better fruit production and a longer growing season.

Renovating for Future Harvests

Post-harvest renovation is crucial, especially for June-bearing strawberries. This process involves thinning plants, removing old leaves, and replenishing the soil with compost. This rejuvenation is essential for maintaining plant health and ensuring large fruit production in the subsequent season.

Person Trimming a Potted Green Plant

Encouraging Bigger Fruits

Pruning and Thinning Strategies

To ensure optimal plant density and focus on fruit production, it's important to implement effective pruning and thinning strategies while growing strawberries. Removing runners from June bearing plants allows the mother plant to direct energy toward developing fruit, resulting in larger ripe berries.

Regularly thinning out excess baby plants and maintaining proper spacing ensures that new plants have ample room to grow and strawberries produce high-quality, homegrown strawberries with delicious flavor, especially in warm climates where the growing season is longer.

organic fertilizer

Feeding Your Strawberries Naturally

To successfully grow big strawberries, it's essential to feed your strawberry plants with the right organic nutrients at the right times. In early spring, using organic fertilizers like organic nitrogen promotes strong plant growth for both June bearing plants and everbearing strawberries, encouraging them to produce large, healthy berries.

As strawberries produce fruit and berries ripen, foliar sprays with targeted nutrition can ensure your homegrown strawberries, including day neutral varieties, get the minerals they need for vibrant, sweet ripe berries and prevent issues like deformed berries and weak new plants.

Runner Management: Focusing the Plant's Energy

In organic strawberry cultivation, managing runners is essential. While runners help propagate the plant, too many can divert energy from fruit production. Limit the number of runners each plant produces, especially in the first year.

Hands of a Person Holding Strawberry Plant Bearing Fruit

Seasonal Care and Maintenance

Springtime Preparation

Springtime preparation is key to ensuring your strawberry plants thrive throughout the growing season. In early spring, it’s important to provide early feeding with organic nitrogen to encourage strong growth in June bearing plants and help them produce big strawberries. Proper seasonal care and maintenance are essential for maximizing your plants' potential.

Applying straw mulch and ensuring your plants stay moist will protect against deformed berries and help your homegrown strawberries—whether wild strawberry, new plants, or daughter plants—grow strong and healthy, setting the stage for a bountiful harvest of ripe berries as the berries begin to ripen.

A Woman Wearing Garden Gloves Touching the Leaves of Strawberry Plant

Summer Care Tips

Summer care is essential for maximizing fruit development and ensuring healthy strawberry plants. To grow big strawberries, maintain consistent moisture and use straw mulch to keep the soil cool, preventing deformed berries and sunburn on your plants.

As berries ripen, make sure your June bearing plants and new plants have the nutrients they need, allowing them to continue producing ripe berries throughout the growing season for a delicious harvest of homegrown strawberries.

Fall and Winter Maintenance

As the season transitions to fall, it's crucial to prepare your strawberry plants for dormancy to ensure they thrive when growing strawberries in the next early spring. Apply straw mulch to insulate the plants, protecting them from frost while maintaining moisture levels for new plants and mother plants.

By taking these steps, you help strawberries produce vibrant, healthy plants that will yield ripe berries and prevent deformed berries in the coming season.

A Persons Hands Getting a Strawberry

Harvesting Big Strawberries

When and How to Harvest

To achieve the best flavor and size, it's important to harvest your strawberries at their peak ripeness, ensuring the berries ripen to a rich color and sweetness. Harvest berries by gently twisting or cutting the stem to avoid damaging the mother plant and other strawberry plants.

Whether you're working with June bearing plants or everbearing strawberries, proper picking techniques and timely harvesting will help ensure a bountiful supply of ripe berries for homegrown strawberries throughout the growing season.

Post-Harvest Care

After harvest berries, proper post-harvest care is essential to preserve their freshness. For short-term storage, keep homegrown strawberries in a cool, dry place, and consider freezing or preserving organically to enjoy ripe berries beyond the growing season.

Whether you’re working with June bearing plants or everbearing strawberries, these methods ensure your strawberry plants continue to provide delicious, nutrient-rich fruit for months to come.

A Person Picking a Strawberry

Conclusion

Growing big strawberries organically is a gratifying experience that yields delicious, sweet berries throughout the growing season. By understanding the different types of strawberries, such as June-bearing, everbearing, and day-neutral varieties, and employing organic practices like proper soil preparation, mulching, and natural pest control, you can nurture healthy, vigorous plants.

Whether you're harvesting a single large crop or enjoying fruit continuously, with the right care, you can ensure that your strawberry plants produce an abundant supply of ripe, juicy strawberries for fresh eating and preservation year after year.

Close-up of Strawberry Bushes Growing in a Container

FAQs: How to Grow Big Strawberries (Organically)

  • 1. How do I grow big strawberries organically?

    • To grow big strawberries organically, start by selecting the right variety, such as June-bearing, everbearing, or day-neutral strawberries. Ensure your plants receive full sun, plant them in well-drained soil with organic matter, and maintain consistent moisture. Mulch with straw to keep the plants moist and prevent weeds. Organic fertilizers, such as organic nitrogen and bone meal, promote healthy growth and larger berries.

  • 2. What should I do to help my strawberry plants grow strong?

    • Strawberries grow best when they are well-fed and cared for. Add organic compost to enrich the soil, and make sure your plants get sufficient water, especially during fruit development. For optimal growth, avoid planting strawberries in overly wet soil, and ensure your plants are spaced properly to allow for good airflow.

  • 3. When is the best time to plant strawberries?

    • The best time to plant strawberries is in early spring when the ground has thawed. This allows your strawberry plants to establish strong roots before the growing season begins. Make sure the soil is moist but not waterlogged, and plant them in an area that receives at least 6-8 hours of sunlight daily for strong, healthy plants.

  • 4. How can I prevent issues with flower buds?

    • To avoid issues with flower buds, such as poor flowering or deformed berries, ensure your strawberry plants are well-watered and receive adequate nutrition throughout their growth stages. Keep your plants moist, but avoid overwatering, which can lead to fungal diseases. Proper spacing and organic mulch will also help protect the flower buds and developing fruit.

  • 5. Why should I avoid planting strawberries in certain areas?

    • Avoid planting strawberries in areas with heavy clay or poorly draining soil, as this can cause root rot and hinder the growth of your plants. Also, avoid planting strawberries in the same spot year after year, as this can lead to a buildup of pests and diseases. Rotate crops to keep your strawberry patch healthy and productive.

  • 6. How long does it take for strawberries to grow?

    • Strawberries grow quickly once established, with early fruiting occurring within the first season for everbearing and day-neutral varieties. June-bearing strawberries typically produce their large, sweet berries in early summer. However, it can take up to 2-3 years for the plants to reach their full potential in size and fruit production.

  • 7. Can I grow big strawberries in containers?

    • Yes! You can grow big strawberries in containers as long as you provide them with well-drained soil, consistent moisture, and ample sunlight. Container-grown strawberries also benefit from regular organic feeding, helping to encourage larger fruits and healthy plant growth.

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