There’s nothing quite like the taste of a sun-warmed, homegrown strawberry—sweet, juicy, and bursting with flavour. Strawberries are one of Australia’s most popular homegrown fruits.
They’re relatively easy to grow, don’t need much space, and reward you with delicious fruit in just a few months. But, as any seasoned gardener will tell you, some know-how is involved if you want to enjoy a bumper crop come spring.
We’ve gathered the best advice from horticulturist Luke Maitland, director of Native Grace Nursery. We added some tips to help you avoid common pitfalls and enjoy a healthy, thriving strawberry patch.
If you want to be tucking into your strawberries by spring, the time to act is now. According to Maitland, autumn is the ideal season for planting strawberries.
The weather is milder, avoiding the harsh extremes of summer, while the soil is still warm enough to encourage strong root growth. This ‘stress-free’ environment gives your plants the best chance to establish themselves before the fruiting season.
You’re not entirely out of luck if you miss the autumn window. Strawberries can be planted at other times of the year, but your first crop might be smaller or slower.
Choosing your strawberry plants: runners, seedlings, or pots? When it comes to getting started, you have three main options:
- Bare-root runners are Maitland’s top pick for autumn planting. They’re cost-effective and grow quickly, preparing you for a plentiful spring harvest. The catch? They need to be planted soon after purchase and can look sad at first, but don’t worry—they’ll perk up!
- Seedlings: A good middle ground, especially if you’re new to gardening.
- Potted plants: These are already established and can be planted a little later in autumn or early spring. They’re less likely to suffer from transplant shock, but they do cost a bit more.
Soil secrets for super strawberries
Strawberries aren’t too fussy, but they do have a few preferences. For raised garden beds, choose a soil that’s well-draining, slightly acidic, and rich in organic matter. After planting, mulch well to keep the roots cool and moist.
If growing in pots, use a premium potting mix and add compost for extra nutrients. Pop your pot up on ‘pot feet’ or bricks to improve drainage—strawberries hate soggy roots!
Spacing: A common mistake
It’s tempting to cram as many plants as possible into your garden bed or pot, but resist the urge! Overcrowding leads to poor airflow, which can cause fungal diseases and smaller fruit.
Maitland recommended spacing your plants about 40cm apart in a bed, or one plant per 200mm pot. This gives each plant enough room to thrive and makes picking your berries much easier.
Sun, water, and feeding: Getting the basics right
Strawberries love the sun, but too much afternoon heat can stress them out. Choose a spot with plenty of morning sun and protection from the harshest afternoon rays.
When it comes to watering, keep the soil moist but not waterlogged. After planting, water well, then check every one to two days (or weekly if you’ve mulched). Overwatering is a common mistake—if in doubt, stick your finger in the soil to check.
Then, start feeding your plants with good compost and well-rotted manure. As they grow, a seaweed solution can give them a boost. In late winter, a sprinkle of blood and bone will prepare them for a bumper spring.
Pest and disease prevention: A few simple tricks
Strawberries are prone to a few pests and diseases, but a little prevention goes a long way:
- Airflow: Good spacing and airflow help prevent fungal problems.
- Watering: Water in the morning so leaves dry out during the day, and avoid overhead watering if possible.
- Mulching: Mulch around your plants to keep fruit off the soil and reduce the risk of rot.
- Regular checks: Look for slugs, snails, and birds—netting or a few well-placed snail traps can save your crop.
Strawberry plants can continue producing for several years, but benefit from a refresh every three to four years. Don’t be afraid to try different varieties—some are better suited to pots, others to garden beds, and each has its unique flavour.
Have you tried growing strawberries at home? What’s your secret to a bumper crop? Share your tips, tricks, and favourite varieties in the comments below—we’d love to hear from you!
Also read: Do your supermarket plants always die? Here’s what experts want you to know
