Planting Strawberries: A Sweet Guide to Growing at Home
There’s nothing quite like the taste of freshly picked sun-ripened strawberries from your own garden. Whether you're a first-time gardener or looking to expand your backyard bounty, strawberries are a rewarding and relatively easy crop to grow. This guide covers everything from how to plant strawberries to strawberry care tips, all optimised for New Zealand conditions.
When to Plant Strawberries in NZ
The best time to plant strawberries in New Zealand is late winter to early spring (July to September). This gives the plants time to establish strong roots before the growing season kicks off. However, planting strawberries in winter is also possible in warmer regions or with a bit of protection like cloches or raised beds.
Choosing the Right Spot and Soil
Strawberries love full sun, so choose a sunny, sheltered spot for best results. Good drainage is crucial — avoid waterlogged areas. The best soil for strawberries is rich in organic matter, slightly acidic (pH 5.5 to 6.5), and well-drained.
Before planting, mix in compost and a strawberry-specific fertiliser to give your plants the nutrients they need for strong growth and juicy fruit.
How to Plant Strawberries
Space plants about 30cm apart, with rows at least 40cm apart to allow airflow and prevent disease. When planting, ensure the crown (where the leaves meet the roots) sits just above the soil line.
If you're short on space, consider growing strawberries in pots or containers. They do particularly well in hanging baskets and raised beds, where drainage and airflow are easier to manage.
Caring for Your Strawberry Plants
Proper care ensures a healthy harvest. Water consistently, especially during fruiting, but avoid wetting the leaves to reduce the risk of disease. Mulch with straw or pea straw to keep weeds down, retain moisture, and keep the berries clean.
Apply a balanced fertiliser for strawberries every few weeks to support flowering and fruiting.
Watch out for common strawberry pests and diseases like slugs, aphids, and fungal infections. Remove damaged leaves promptly and consider natural pest deterrents. Companion plants for strawberries like basil, chives, or borage can help keep pests away and improve plant health.
Extra Tips for Success
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Propagate strawberries by pinning down strawberry runners into soil — they'll grow into new plants for next season.
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Rotate your strawberry bed every 2–3 years to prevent soil-borne diseases.
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Choose strawberry varieties NZ gardeners love, such as ‘Camarosa’, ‘Albion’, or ‘Temptation’ for a mix of flavour, yield, and disease resistance.
Final Thoughts
Growing strawberries at home is a sweet, satisfying project with delicious rewards. With the right soil, sunlight, and care, you'll enjoy a season full of fresh, homegrown strawberries — perfect for desserts, smoothies, or straight off the plant. Whether you're planting in pots, beds, or the ground, now’s the perfect time to get started.