Strawberries can be grown almost anywhere - in a raised bed, a pot or on the balcony. However, in this article we will tell you how you can plant strawberries in raised beds and what advantages this brings.
Why should you plant strawberries in raised beds?
Raised beds are well suited for many plants, including strawberries, for several reasons. One reason is weed control. Typically, a raised bed has some sort of lining that keeps the existing grass and weeds under the growing area until they eventually die.
The second reason raised beds are so beneficial has to do with the soil. Raised beds are usually filled with balanced, nutrient-rich soil that is optimal for plant growth. It's easy to improve the soil every year, and rain and regular watering will wash fewer nutrients from the garden.
Strawberries thrive particularly well in a raised bed because it limits spread. Strawberry plants form runners and, under the right conditions, spread like weeds. This may sound good if you love strawberries, but you may end up with less fruit if you let them escape. If your strawberry plants are in raised beds, it is easier to protect them from pests and remove sick or weak plants. Their fruits are also easier to harvest.
Which strawberry varieties are suitable?
Most varieties are suitable for growing strawberries in a raised bed as long as the location is warm and sunny. The only exception are wild strawberries (Fragaria vesca), which cannot tolerate heat and strong sunlight and prefer to grow in partial shade. Here are some popular strawberry varieties for growing in raised beds.
- Elvira: Early ripening variety with large, long-lasting fruits and a sweet, fruity aroma.
- Mara of the Woods: Small to medium-sized, light red strawberry with very good taste but short shelf life.
- Ostara: Strong growing variety with large, firm, juicy fruits and good yield.
- Polka: High-yielding strawberry with dark fruits that taste like sweet wild strawberries.
- We kiss each other: Classic strawberry variety with medium-sized, tasty fruits and vigorous growth.
What types of raised beds are best?
The next step is to decide what type of raised bed you want to use. In truth, the most important thing is that your strawberry patch is in full sun, what the patch is made of is secondary. The good news is that there is a lot to choose from. Which one you choose depends on your budget, your understanding of aesthetics and the space you have.
How do you fill a strawberry raised bed?
The classic raised bed filling consists of several layers.
- The first step in filling is to lay down a layer of newspaper, cardboard or landscaping fabric. This bottom layer serves to kill grass and weeds at the bottom of the raised bed so that they don't get into the growing layer of soil and affect the health of your strawberry plants.
- Next, layer dead branches or trunks into the empty raised bed. Add grass clippings, twigs, flower stems, and similar materials to this layer. This layer fills the space and over time all of this organic material will decompose and enrich the soil in the raised bed.
- Finally, fill the top layer with rich soil mixed with slightly acidic compost.
Tipp: Strawberries grow best in slightly acidic soil with a pH between 5.8 and 6.2. Test the soil in your raised bed every 3 to 5 years using a home testing kit or a commercial soil test from a lab. Adjust the pH if necessary according to the instructions in the soil test results.
Planting strawberries in a raised bed – this is how it works
When to plant strawberries? New plants can be planted in your strawberry patch any time from early spring to early summer. If your new plants are growing in small pots, you should carefully loosen the roots before placing them in the raised bed, especially if they were pot bound (the roots will circle around the pot). If these are bare root plants, spread the roots out in the planting hole and make sure the plant is positioned so the crown is above the soil line and the roots are below it.
With which oneDistance should you plant them?? Space the strawberry plants about 8 to 10 inches (20 to 25 cm) apart. Stagger the rows so each plant has enough room to grow. Get the growing season off to a good start by watering plants regularly in the first year after planting, especially during dry periods.
Notice: If you plant strawberries in raised beds, the soil can dry out more quickly than if you grow them in the ground. Monitor soil moisture carefully and water heavily when necessary. Avoid watering the plants superficially - a good, thorough watering is always better.
What goes well with strawberries in raised beds + other tips to ensure a good harvestcan be found here!
