Why Grow Strawberries?
Growing strawberries is a rewarding experience, whether you're starting with organic strawberry plants or browsing strawberry plants for sale. These productive plants yield sweet, juicy berries and thrive in full sun and well-drained soil—ideal for raised beds or hanging baskets. With resistance to diseases like anthracnose and verticillium wilt, they grow well across many hardiness zones. From everbearing to June-bearing varieties, organic strawberry plants offer high yields and rich flavor—perfect for fresh eating or preserving.
Benefits of Strawberry Plants
Strawberry plants offer numerous advantages, including exceptional flavor, disease resistance, and high yields. These organically grown plants are available as bare root or potted options, and they thrive in full sun. By avoiding chemicals, organic strawberries ensure a healthier and more sustainable garden while producing large berries with great taste. Strawberries are hardy across various USDA hardiness zones and can be grown in raised beds or containers, offering a bountiful crop of sweet, juicy fruit throughout the growing season. Whether you're looking to plant in spring or late fall, our plants can establish quickly and bring years of harvest.
Ideal Growing Conditions
Strawberries have a shallow root system, making them ideal for raised beds or containers. These plants thrive in full sun, requiring at least 6-8 hours of sunlight daily to produce the best results. Mulching is highly beneficial, as it helps retain soil moisture, suppresses weeds, and prevents berries from touching the ground. Healthy, well-drained soil is essential for promoting optimal growth. Planting in early September is recommended in areas prone to red stele disease, ensuring strong and productive plants for the growing season.
Types of Strawberry Plants
When it comes to strawberry plants, you have several options to choose from, each with its own unique characteristics and advantages.
June Bearing Strawberries
June-bearing strawberries, such as Ozark Beauty, are known for their impressive fruit production. These plants produce a single, abundant crop in early spring to early summer, typically lasting 3 to 4 weeks. These varieties yield large, firm berries that are perfect for fresh consumption or preserving into jams and desserts. June bearers are prolific and ideal for gardeners who want a burst of strawberries at a specific time during the growing season.
Everbearing Strawberries (Day-Neutral Varieties)
Everbearing strawberries, also known as day-neutral varieties, offer a continuous supply of fresh strawberries throughout the summer. Though they may not produce as many berries in a single period as June bearers, they provide a steady harvest, making them an excellent choice for gardeners who want strawberries over an extended period.
A Strategic Approach
To maximize strawberry production and enjoy a longer harvest season, consider planting both June-bearing and everbearing varieties. June bearers will provide an early crop, followed by a steady supply from everbearers, ensuring you have fresh strawberries throughout the summer. This strategy maximizes space and provides the tastiest berries all season long.
How to Plant Strawberry Plants
For optimal strawberry success, plant your organic strawberry plants in well-drained soil with plenty of sunlight and protect them from shade. Space bare root or potted strawberry plants about 12-18 inches apart to ensure good air circulation and prevent disease. For raised beds or containers, use a mix of compost and soil to provide essential nutrients and good drainage. Plant at the same depth as they were in their containers or nursery bed, ensuring that the crown is level with the soil surface to avoid rot. Mulch around the plants to retain moisture, suppress weeds, and keep the berries clean. During winter, protect your plants from frost and extreme temperatures with additional mulch or coverings. By following these guidelines, you can enjoy a fruitful growing season with sweet berries and excellent flavor.
Caring for Bare Root Strawberry Plants
Proper care is essential for strawberry success. Water your strawberry plants regularly, ensuring the soil stays consistently moist but not waterlogged. Mulch around the plants to preserve moisture and suppress weeds. Fertilize with organic fertilizer to support strong growth and high yields. Prune dead or damaged leaves and runners to improve air circulation, reduce disease risk, and promote better berry development.
Common Bare Root Strawberry Plants Pests and Diseases
Organic strawberry plants are susceptible to a range of pests and diseases. Aphids, slugs, and fungal diseases such as anthracnose crown rot and phytophthora crown rot can affect the health of your plants. To keep your strawberry plants healthy, maintain good soil drainage, and use mulch to prevent fungal spread. Regularly inspect for pests and use organic treatments like neem oil or insecticidal soap to manage infestations.
Harvesting and Storing Strawberries
To enjoy the best flavor, pick strawberries from your strawberry plant when they are fully ripe, firm, and bright red. Harvest in the morning after the dew has dried to preserve their flavor. If growing in hanging baskets or containers, be gentle when picking to avoid damaging the plants. Store fresh organic strawberries in a single layer in the refrigerator to maintain their juiciness, and use them within a few days. For longer storage, freeze cleaned and dried berries. Strawberries grown in cooler locations will also benefit from this care to ensure optimal freshness and flavor.
In Summary
Strawberries are an amazing addition to any home garden. With proper care, your strawberry plants will thrive and provide a bountiful harvest, whether from June-bearing or everbearing varieties. Enjoy fresh, sweet strawberries throughout the growing season, and experiment with different planting techniques like raised beds or containers. By choosing the right strawberry plant from our organic selection, you're setting yourself up for strawberry success in cooler locations and for many years to come.
Why Buy Strawberry Plants From Us?
Choose from our strawberry plants for sale and grow delicious, high-quality berries at home. Our strawberry plants, including bare root varieties, are selected for large fruit, disease resistance, and adaptability to a range of hardiness zones—even cooler climates. Ideal for raised beds, containers, or hanging baskets, these strawberry plants for sale establish quickly and yield abundantly. With fast delivery and a wide selection of varieties, enjoy a successful harvest wherever you garden.
Enjoy our strawberries for sale, and see our growing guide in the Resource Center.
For more information on growing BIG strawberries organically, see our guide