Strawberries are one of the
most attractive fruits in the world of fruit. For their vibrant color, sweet
flavor and health benefits, they are the favorite fruit of all. They can also
turn any garden into a mini paradise. If you wish to grow strawberries in your
home garden, this article can greatly help you. Today, in this article, I will
show you how to grow strawberries indoors. You can grow strawberries in pots,
hanging baskets or garden beds in your home garden. However, read the article
attentively and follow my instructions to grow strawberries indoors.
Secrets to Growing Lush and Sweet Strawberries at Home
Choosing Your Strawberry Plant
Types of Strawberries to Grow
To grow strawberries indoors,
first, you have to choose the right variety of strawberries. There are three
main varieties of strawberries. They are-----
- June-bearing varieties produce one large crop in early summer.
- Everbearing varieties yield two smaller crops in early summer and fall.
- Day-neutral varieties continuously produce small harvests throughout the season.
Selecting the Right Variety for Your Climate
June-bearing varieties are the
best for cold countries. On the other hand, day-neutral or everbearing
varieties grow in mild-climate countries. You can take advice from the owner of
the nursery which varieties are suitable for your home garden.
Preparing the Planting Area
Finding the Perfect Spot
Strawberries need lots of
sunlight at least 6-8 hours a day. So, choose a sunny spot in your garden or
use containers so that you can take them to a sunny place if needed. They also
grow well in well-draining soil.
Soil Preparation for Optimal Growth
The soil of strawberries
should be slightly acidic with a pH of around 5.5-6.5. For this purpose, mix
compost or well-rotted manure into the soil to improve drainage and add
essential nutrients. If you grow strawberries in pots, use high-quality potting
soil for the best results.
Growing strawberries from seeds or Seedlings
How to grow strawberries from seeds
To grow strawberries from
seeds, first collect high-quality hybrid seeds. Then bring the seeds home
and dry them in the sun for one day. Once the seeds have cooled, soak
them in water overnight and immediately prepare the pot for seed
germination. Then follow the steps below to germinate the seeds well.
- Mix 25% coco peat, 25% sand, 25% cow dung manure and 25% leaf rot manure to make seed germination soil.
- Take a pot of 8 inches.
- Place 1/2 piece of brick on the hole in the bottom of the pot.
- Give a handful of stone or brick pieces in the pot.
- Apply sand 1 inch thick on stone or brick pieces.
- Then give the soil prepared for seed germination in the pots and press it by hand.
- Keep a small amount of soil to cover the seeds and fill the pot with soil leaving the mouth of the pot one inch empty.
- Soak the upper soil of the pot well by spraying water.
- When the water is dry, spread the seeds on the wet soil.
- Then lightly spread the soil that you have left on the seeds and cover the seeds well.
- When the seeds are covered with soil, spray water lightly on the soil.
- Then cover the pot with polythene and leave it in a shady place for six or seven days.
- After six or seven days you will see that all your seeds have germinated.
- Keep the pot in the sun little by little every day. After three or four days, leave the pot in full sun.
- When the seedlings are one month old, transfer the seedlings to another pot.
How to grow strawberries from runners
It is very easy to grow strawberries from runners. To grow strawberries from runners, first, buy 2/3 strawberry plants from your nearest nursery. After bringing the strawberry plants from the nursery and planting them, many runners will come out from those plants when they are completely standing. Then where you will see the root part of these runners place it with the soil and fold the hard thin wire on top of it and press it well in the ground with the root part so that the roots go into the soil.
Now wait at least 15 days. After 15 days, you will see that new roots have emerged from those runners and plants have been grown. Now cut the runners from the mother plant and separate them. After 15 more days, transfer the new plants from the mother plant pot to another pot. In this way, you can grow 10/15 strawberry plants from one mother strawberry plant.
What to do after bringing strawberry plants from the nursery
If you don't want to grow
strawberries from seeds, buy some seedlings from your nearest nursery. Never
grow the strawberry plants immediately after collecting them from the
nursery. Keep the plants in a shady place for at least three to four
days. After three or four days, when the plants adjust to your home
environment, grow them in pots. If the plants are grown immediately after
being brought from the nursery, the plants may die.
Planting Strawberries
When to plant strawberries
Strawberry seedlings are
planted from November to December for the winter season and from February to
March for the summer season.
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How to Plant Strawberries
If strawberry plants are
brought with soil from the nursery, keep them in a shady place at home for 4-5
days. Then grow one plant in each pot. And if you make strawberry plants
at home or if you bring strawberry plants from the nursery without soil, you
will grow 2 plants in each pot. Because plants without soil are more likely
to die. So, you have to grow 2 seedlings in each pot.
After growing the plants,
keep them in a shady place at home for 3-4 days. After 3-4 days, keep all
the plants in full sun. When the plants are 15 days old, keep one healthy
and vigorous plant in each pot and transfer the other plants to another pot.
Now, follow the instructions below to plant strawberry seedlings in the open
soil in the garden.
- Spacing: Space
each plant about 12-18 inches apart.
- Depth: Plant
them and cover the roots but the crown (the top of the root system) is just
above the soil.
- Watering: Water
thoroughly after planting, and keep the soil consistently moist.
Mulching for Healthier Plants
Add a layer of mulch around
your plants to keep the soil moist, prevent weeds and protect berries from soil
contact. In this case, you can use straw or wood chips. They can work well and
help regulate soil temperature.
Caring for Your Strawberry Plants
Watering and Fertilizing Tips
Strawberries need consistent
moisture, especially when the fruit forms. So, water the seedlings every
afternoon and apply a balanced fertilizer at the beginning of the season. When
flowers start blooming, add high-potassium-rich fertilizer.
Pruning and Runners Management
Strawberry plants produce
runners. If you want to grow more strawberry plants, propagate them by cutting
the runners. If you don't want to propagate, prune the runners for a better
yield.
Pest and Disease Prevention
Common Pests and How to Handle Them
Strawberries attract various
pests like aphids, slugs and birds. Some organic ways to protect your plants
are as follows:
- Aphids: Use
insecticidal soap or natural predators like ladybugs.
- Slugs: Set
up small barriers or sprinkle coffee grounds around plants.
- Birds: Net
the plants to prevent birds from stealing your ripe berries.
Diseases and Maintenance Tips
Common diseases include
powdery mildew and gray mold are caused by overwatering or poor airflow. Give
plants enough space and don’t get them too wet. Remove any diseased leaves to
prevent the spread.
Harvesting Your Strawberries
When and How to Harvest for Best Flavor
Strawberries are ready to pick
when they are fully red and slightly soft to the touch. Pick them in the
morning when they are cool for the best flavor. Harvest frequently to increase
fruit production.
Storing and Enjoying Your Fresh Strawberries
Freshly picked strawberries can last up to a week in the fridge. Wash them only at the time of eating. If you have extra strawberries, you can freeze them for smoothies or baking.
FAQ about growing Strawberries at Home
1. How long does it take to grow strawberries from seed?
It takes 6-8 weeks to grow
strawberries from seed.
2. What is the best season to plant strawberries?
Spring is the best season to
plant strawberries.
3. How much sunlight do strawberries need?
Strawberries need full
sunlight to grow well. Actually, they need 6-8 hours of sunlight per day for
better growth.
4. Can you grow strawberries in pots?
Yes, you can grow strawberries
well in pots with good drainage and a lot of sunlight.
5. How can I protect my strawberries from pests?
Use netting or row covers to
protect strawberries from birds and pests. In this case, you use mulching to
deter insects.
In conclusion, strawberries
are a tempting fruit for everyone. To grow strawberries at home is undoubtedly
a pleasant task. If you can’t buy strawberries with money or do not get them in
exchange for money, decide to plant them at home. According to the decision,
buy 4/5 strawberry seedlings from the nearest nursery and start planting them
by following the guide mentioned in this article. Within 40-45 days of planting
strawberry seedlings, the delicious and attractive strawberry treasure will be
hanging before you. When they are ripe, eat them yourself and give them as a
gift to your relatives. You will keep receiving thanks like raindrops.
Are you ready to grow
strawberries in your home garden? If so, collect your pots, soil, and a few
strawberry plants and start your strawberry-growing journey, if anything is
unknown, share it in the comments.
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