Learning how to grow strawberries is within reach, regardless of space and expertise.
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Just about anyone can learn how to grow strawberries, believe it or not. If you’ve got sun, you’ve got potential! The plants are super flexible and surprisingly easy to grow.
Strawberries can be planted annually or every few years in most of the country. Most people with a yard will find it fairly easy to keep strawberries growing for fresh fruit whenever they want it. And why limit your efforts to outside—a sunny window can work too!
Types of Strawberries
You might think of strawberries as summer fruits, but with some types, the plants can bear fruit year-round!
June-Bearing
June-bearing strawberries earn their name honestly, with a concentrated crop of a few weeks around the longest days of the year. These berries are the first to ripen and are known for their wonderfully sweet flavor. But once picked, the next crop will be a year away. Have you tried white strawberries?
Ever-Bearing
If you’re looking to expand the growing season, ever-bearing strawberries may be for you. Like June-bearing, they need lots of sunlight. Everbearing strawberries offer a crop in the spring and fall with possible fruit appearing sporadically in between.
Day-neutral
Day-neutral strawberries go one step further. Instead of a bigger seasonal crop or two, they produce berries throughout the season. “Day-neutral” means they’re not sensitive to the length of sunlight in the day. They grow best at above-freezing temperatures through the mid-eighties.
How to Prep Your Garden for Strawberries
Strawberries are similar to your favorite sun loving perennials. Pick a spot with a minimum of 6 hours of direct sun. The plants can survive shade, but may flower and fruit less. Be wary of boggy spots and lots of clay where water may pool. A stand-alone bed or veggie garden can work well. You could even plant near a favorite pairing—like wherever you grow rhubarb!
Adding well rotted compost to the soil before adding strawberry plants gives them extra nutrients to get settled. Work an inch or two into the soil before getting started.
How to Plant Strawberries
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Regardless of variety, basic planting is super simple. Plants can be set in early spring as long as the ground is diggable and not too muddy—if you can squeeze a ball of mud, that’s too muddy! Make sure the planting holes are big enough to avoid crowding roots. Bareroot plants could use a soak before being added. Spread the roots and top with soil leaving the crown free to grow. Water nursery plants as well but keep those root balls intact. Straw mulch around each plant will hold down weeds and cushion the fruit.
One trick to a well settled strawberry plant involves pinching off flowers for the first couple of months. The plant roots will burrow for a longer, healthier life. Ironically, removing the flowers also postpones the crops. That said, ever-bearing and day-neutral plants can deliver berries sooner as well as later.
Make sure to read the spacing guidelines on your variety. Strawberries like elbow room—plants may need up to 18 inches between them with rows several feet apart depending on the variety. June-bearing usually have the biggest footprint.
Planting Strawberries in Raised Beds
Raised beds make an ideal home for strawberry growing. They heat up sooner and tend to drain quicker, which water-sensitive strawberries appreciate. Mix compost with the soil to feed the plants and let roots set easier. Plant as directed above in hills, straight across or in raised rows. Monitor that water—new plants may need more if Mother Nature doesn’t deliver. Established plants need about an inch a week.
Planting Strawberries in Containers
Shallow-rooted strawberries can thrive in containers. The best part? Containers can be located near doors for optimum grazing and moved around for max sun exposure.
Strawberry pots come in many materials including ceramic, terracotta and plastic to maximize the growing surface, but really anything with drainage will work. Since the soil dries more quickly, you will have to up the watering schedule. Think about day-neutral or everbearing varieties for fruit beyond spring. Unlike in-ground, skip the flower pinching for immediate rewards!
One note: containers can crack in cold weather and plants are vulnerable, too. To save both in freezing temps, overwinter strawberries in the ground with mulch and if desired, return to containers come spring.
To pick strawberries, gently twist or snip the stem of fully colored berries, leaving the hull intact. They won’t ripen on the counter, so it’s important to pick ones that are already ripe.
Store unwashed in the fridge if you can resist eating them immediately, or use your favorite methods for storing strawberries to keep them fresh. Canning or freezing strawberries can help you savor summer in the winter months. Now you’re all set to make your favorite strawberry recipes!
Strawberry Growing FAQs
How long does it take strawberries to grow?
For established plants, expect fruit 4 to 6 weeks after flowering. June-bearing will be done fruiting after several weeks around their namesake month. Day-neutral strawberries reward all season and make a great container option.
Can you grow strawberries from seed?
Yes, you can! Strawberry seeds are widely available and inexpensive. That said, they need patience and possibly grow lights. Press seeds into a damp soilless potting mix and keep them moist for several weeks until they start growing. Transplant to larger cells or pots as size demands. Some seeds might need a deep freeze to trick them into thinking they’ve had winter. Expect fruit in the second year.
Can you grow strawberries indoors?
Cultivating in the house is similar to outside with one exception—pollination. For faster fruit, start with bare root or already established plants. Pick a super sunny spot or add grow lights. The container must have good drainage. Dampen potting mix and keep the plant crown at soil level or just above. When flowers appear, use a paintbrush or cotton swab to mix the outer edge of the flower center with the middle. Now you’ve become a bee!
Extra Hints to Grow the Best Strawberries
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Even well-cared-for strawberry plants will likely need replacing every 3 to 5 years. Use runners from a mother June-bearing plant or try new varieties.
Garden friends like chipmunks appreciate strawberries too. To protect the crop, consider chicken wire fencing or non-toxic repellents, or plant enough to share!
For a dazzling summer dessert, you can’t beat juicy strawberries and fresh whipped cream over homemade shortcake. My father added even more indulgence to this recipe by buttering the shortcake. This is the best strawberry shortcake recipe. —Shirley Joan Helfenbein, Lapeer, Michigan
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That classic spring treat—strawberry shortcake—takes on a wonderful new twist with this strawberry poke cake recipe. Strawberry gelatin and strawberries liven up each pretty slice of this lovely layered cake that's made from a convenient boxed mix. —Mary Jo Griggs, West Bend, Wisconsin
Every year I make this special strawberry jam cake for the Relay for Life cake raffle. It has raised lots of money for a good cause. —Tammy Urbina, Warner Robins, Georgia
Deep-fried fritters are wonderful on their own, but they become over-the-top amazing with a creamy lemon mousse and sweet strawberries. Raspberries and blueberries yield equally good results. —Shannon Bell, Woodstock, Georgia
This recipe is a variation on the classic Texas sheet cake, made using a simple box of white cake mix, strawberry gelatin and chopped strawberries. It's finished with a light mascarpone buttercream made with fresh pureed strawberries. —Lauren Habermehl, Pewaukee, Wisconsin
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This old-fashioned strawberry cake is fresh, moist and wonderfully flavored. It’s made entirely from scratch, too—no need for Jell-O or a boxed mix. —Molly Allen, Hood River, Oregon
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This "delight dessert" is sweet but not too sweet, has a lovely, fluffy texture and boasts a beautiful pink color. A graham cracker base provides crunch beneath all that creamy filling. —Nancy Mock, Colchester, Vermont
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This cool no-bake strawberry pie is the perfect cure for your sweet tooth, especially in summer. Made with pantry staples, it is as easy as pie to make and has become one of my most requested warm-weather treats. —Shauna Havey, Roy, Utah
These sweet bites can be made ahead of time, and they look really colorful on a tray. I will sometimes sprinkle the piped filling with finely chopped pistachio nuts. —Marcia Orlando, Boyertown, Pennsylvania
I won first prize in a dairy recipe contest with this tasty strawberry trifle. You can double the recipe and make two for large groups. —Norma Steiner, Monroe, Wisconsin
Because I love tiramisu, I came up with this deliciously refreshing twist on the traditional coffee-flavored Italian dessert. Fresh softened berries star with crisp ladyfinger cookies and mascarpone cheese. Serve it from a glass bowl or in clear dishes to show off the luscious layers.
—Najmussahar Ahmed, Ypsilanti, Michigan
This refreshingly fruity dessert is one of our favorites. It looks so beautiful layered in a glass bowl that people will think it took ages to make. The secret is starting with a purchased angel food cake. —Lynn Marie Frucci, Pullman, Washington
It always seems like my rhubarb goes bad in a hurry, so I was looking for a simple way to combine two of my favorite flavors in an incredibly easy dessert. I added extra spices to enhance the flavor of this strawberry-rhubarb dump cake for a sweet treat my whole family loved! —Jessica Bridge, Grand Junction, Colorado
When folks are longing for something sweet and refreshing, this soup is sure to hit the spot. To serve it with dinner or as an appetizer, simply omit the shortcake. —Joan Hallford, North Richland Hills, Texas
I first served these fresh and fruity air-fryer wontons as an appetizer at a summer luau. My family and friends now enjoy this fried wonton recipe for dessert at special occasions throughout the year. —Melissa Birdsong, Gilbert, South Carolina
This biscuit strawberry shortcake is the perfect ending to any meal. Homemade biscuits and fresh berries shine in this classic dessert. —Stephanie Moon, Boise, Idaho
Chock-full of berries and rhubarb, this pretty cobbler is the perfect finale for a dinner for two. Pecans in the topping and the delicious dessert sauce make it extra special. —Lily Julow, Lawrenceville, Georgia
I love the sweet-salty flavor of this pretty layered dessert. Sliced strawberries and gelatin top a smooth cream cheese filling and crispy pretzel crust. I think it's best when eaten within a day of being made.
-Wendy Weaver
Leetonia, Ohio
Always a crowd-pleaser, this strawberry panzanella salad never disappoints. This version is sweet and offers the opportunity to use seasonal fruits in a creative way. For a fun twist, use margarita glasses when serving and rim the glasses with sugar and a strawberry garnish. —Careema Bell, Trenton, New Jersey
Every spring, we had strawberries and rhubarb on our farm outside Seattle. These fruity hand pies remind me of those times and of Grandma Winnie’s baking. —Shawn Carleton, San Diego, California
I came up with this strawberry rhubarb cake when I wanted to make something with rhubarb and strawberries that wasn't a pie. If you know someone who hasn't tried rhubarb before, this is a great way to introduce them to it. —Theresa Kreyche, Tustin, California
For my mother's birthday, I made this strawberry pie recipe instead of a cake. Since it was mid-May in Oklahoma, the berries were absolutely perfect. It was a memorable occasion for the whole family. —Josh Carter, Birmingham, Alabama
My granddaughter Sydney has acquired a love of baking. While I was visiting her in Tampa, we made these light, fluffy cupcakes. She's a natural—they turned out fantastic! —Lonnie Hartstack, Clarinda, Iowa
These cheesecake bars layer a buttery pecan shortbread crust with a rich and creamy filling and sweet-tart strawberry rhubarb jam. For larger squares, cut into nine bars instead of 16. —Amanda Scarlati, Sandy, Utah
Cheesecake is my mom's favorite dessert. I made this especially for her on Mother's Day to thank her for being such an awesome mom. Decorate to your own taste! —Elizabeth Ding, El Cerrito, California
A friend gave me this recipe a long time ago. It’s rich and creamy yet refreshing. I make this often in early summer when rhubarb is readily available. —Norma DesRoches, Warwick, Rhode Island
It seams Mom was always making biscuits. She served them plain for breakfast and dinner, especially when we had stew or baked beans. My favorite was when she served them like this—topped with fresh strawberries and whipped cream! —Elaine Gagnon, Pawtucket, Rhode Island
These four-ingredient freezer pops are a delicious way to use up a pint of fresh strawberries. You'll love the hint of tropical flavor, thanks to the coconut milk. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
I host an annual pie-making party before Labor Day. We have a pig roast on our farm, but the pies take center stage at the end of the meal. —Beth Howard, Donnellson, Iowa
My mom and I made up this recipe by combining two others. These cute cookies are crispy on the outside and light and fluffy inside. You could also bake the cookies flat and serve the filling as a cookie dip if you like. —Crystal Briddick, Colfax, Illinois
These treats are a perfect mouthful of strawberry, sweet cream cheese filling and just a drizzle of chocolate. Easy to fill
and fix ahead, they add tempting variety to brunch or party offerings—and make a delicious homemade gift. —Linda Baldt, Croydon, Pennsylvania
Daiquiri fans, put away your straws for this blend of strawberries, lime juice and orange juice in a refreshing ice. — Robin M. Keane, Framingham, Massachusetts
Although my coffee cake makes a large pan, it never lasts very long! It's great for a Sunday brunch after church and nice to bring to family reunions, too. —Dorothy Morehouse, Massena, New York
For a tasty twist, this special shortcake has a berry layer on the bottom. The tempting strawberry upside-down cake is a sweet that our family has savored for years. —Debra Falkiner, St. Charles, Missouri
Take summer-ripe strawberries plus a creamy filling and tuck them into these delicate strawberry crepes for an elegant brunch entree. —Kathy Kochiss, Huntington, Connecticut
My Grandma Gigi loved summer berry cakes. Almost any time I’d call her during the warmer months, she’d invite me over to taste her latest masterpiece. This cake is a tribute to her. —Kristin Bowers, Rancho Palos Verdes, California
Fresh strawberries are full of water, so they have a tendency to weigh down cake batters and make soggy cakes. That’s why these strawberry cupcakes rely on strawberry jam or preserves. The concentrated flavor is just right for light and tender cupcakes. —Lisa Kaminski, Wauwatosa, Wisconsin
This cobbler came about because I love chocolate-covered strawberries. Top it with whipped cream, either plain or with a little chocolate syrup stirred in. —Andrea Bolden, Unionville, Tennessee
I love a good strawberry shortcake, but this recipe is my favorite by far. The citrus zest in the dough adds a refreshing zip to the sweet dessert. —Nancy Hooper, Glen Burnie, Maryland
My grandmother used to make this pie when I was a small child. A Brooklyn woman gave her the recipe, but my grandmother could never remember the woman’s name or the name of the pie, comically dubbing it Lady from Brooklyn’s Pie. Feel free to use any flavored gelatin, or try walnuts or pecans instead of pistachios. I use a store-bought graham cracker crust, but you can also use a chocolate graham cracker crust. —Judy DeGrottole, New York, New York
When I got my ice cream maker, a friend shared her dreamy freezy cheesecake recipe. For guests, I scoop this into tart shells. —Joan Hallford, North Richland Hills, Texas
Don't let the number of steps in this recipe fool you —it's easy to assemble. The cake bakes up high and fluffy, and the berries add a fresh fruity flavor. Cream cheese is a good substitute if you don't have mascarpone cheese handy. —Carol Witczak, Tinley Park, Illinois
One night I goofed, accidentally using the balsamic butter I save for grilling chicken on my pound cake. What a delicious mistake that my entire family loved! For a patriotic look, add a drizzle of blueberry syrup. —Tammy Hathaway, Freeman Twp, Maine
My husband loved his mamaw's strawberry cake recipe. He thought no one could duplicate it. I made it, and it’s just as scrumptious as he remembers. —Jennifer Bruce, Manitou, Kentucky
This simple lemon shortcake is tender and not overly sweet. Enjoy this summertime classic with a generous layer of whipped topping and berries. —Meryl Herr, Overland Park, Kansas
This creamy strawberry tart boasts a crunchy chocolate layer tucked next to the crust. Try making individual tartlets instead of one big dessert. —Dawn Tringali, Hamilton Square, New Jersey
Perfect for special meals, this lovely chiffon cake is a nice change from strawberry pie or shortcake. Don't be afraid t try this jelly-roll-style dessert...it's easy to make. Plus, the waxed paper-lined pan helps make cleanup a breeze! —Becky Ruff, McGregor, Iowa
Three simple ingredients mixed together and spread into a graham cracker crust make magic while your freezer does all the work. Prep this pie ahead and freeze it overnight or even longer. Feel free to vary the fruit if you'd like! —Debbie Glasscock, Conway, Arkansas
Gourmet strawberries are pricey to order but easy to make. We serve strawberries with hazelnut spread as a crowd-pleasing appetizer or dessert. —Darlene Brenden, Salem, Oregon
While growing up, I loved treats from the ice cream truck that rolled through my neighborhood. This ice cream cake is inspired by one of those crunchy, strawberry novelties. —Lisa Kaminski, Wauwatosa, Wisconsin
Next time you get a pint or two of perfectly ripe strawberries, make my favorite pie. It combines fresh berries and a lemony cream cheese layer. If you’re in a hurry, use a pre-made pie shell. —Janet Leach, Granger, Washington
Your clan will surely save room for dessert when they see a pretty dish of strawberries Romanoff. It also makes a nice anytime snack. —Denise Blackman, Port Cartier, Quebec
We planted strawberries a few years ago and these tangy-sweet frozen yogurt pops are my very favorite treats to make with them! The options are endless. Try using other yogurt flavors like lemon, raspberry or blueberry. You may also substitute your favorite herb for the rosemary—or simply omit it. —Carmell Childs, Ferron, Utah
I make this rich and delicious torte whenever I'm asked to bring dessert to any occasion. Use reduced-calorie whipped topping to create a lighter version. —Christine McCullough, Auburn, Massachusetts
In summer the strawberry farms are open for picking. I serve strawberries with a crunchy hazelnut meringue cookie. —Barbara Estabrook, Rhinelander, Wisconsin
When I’m planning party menus, I appreciate dessert recipes like this; you can make and freeze it up to two weeks before serving. A refreshing slice is welcome after a big meal.—Cassie Alexander, Muncie, Indiana
My kids love to help make these towers. They measure, mix, whisk and build stacks. It's a family custom and a perfect summer breakfast or dessert. —Josie Shapiro, San Francisco, California
Our family loves fresh strawberries, so I look for different ways to use them. This tempting, yummy dessert has sweet strawberries, tart lime and salty pretzels. —Alexandra Barnett, Forest, Virginia
This cake is inventive and yet familiar. Be sure to use a springform pan so you can easily remove it from the cake. If it breaks while you're transferring it to the serving plate, just push the pieces back together, pressing gently. —Stella Ohanian, Porter Ranch, California
When it starts warming up in Colorado, my kids ask for ice-cold treats. This rosy pink cream float is one of our household favorites. —Crystal Jo Bruns, Iliff, Colorado
As a mom of four, I appreciate shortcut recipes. This one uses refrigerated biscuits, giving me time for special touches, like adding homemade whipped cream and hot fudge. —Melissa Haines, Valparaiso, Indiana
This festive strawberries and cream summer treat is one of my mom's favorites. It wows guests every time yet is simple to make. —Cathy Branciaroli, Wilmington, Delaware
My husband grills anything and everything—even dessert! With his gentle nudging, I came up with this simple recipe that takes just a few minutes to prepare, yet always impresses dinner guests. —Anita Archibald, Richmond Hill, Ontario
I had these ingredients in my pantry and thought I'd experiment. The flavors are just like strawberry cheesecake—only in a warm, comforting cake version. It's a whole lot easier than making cheesecake, too! —Lisa Renshaw, Kansas City, Missouri
When my wonderful friend Kelly brought me a pint of strawberries, I didn’t want to just eat them straight (tempting as it was). I decided to make strawberry shortcake with my own pretty, elegant spin. These light and airy puff pastry stacks let the fruit shine. —Jenny Dubinsky, Inwood, West Virginia
The only drawback to this lovely dessert is that there are never any leftovers. For a patriotic look, replace one of the layers of strawberry pie filling with blueberry—or use whatever filling you prefer. —Lori Thorp, Frazee, Minnesota
Eat these pretty treats as is or crush them into a bowl of strawberries and whipped cream. Readers of my blog, utry.it, went nuts when I posted that idea.—Amy Tong, Anaheim, California
You've had peach pie and strawberry pie, and maybe even peach-strawberry pie. But throw in some garden-fresh basil and you're in for a real treat. Try it. —Lindsay Sprunk, Noblesville, Indiana
You'll love this homemade puff pastry crust topped with a soft-set pudding layer that has a hint of strawberry flavor. This dessert needs to chill for at least an hour, so it's a fabulous make-ahead dish. —Candace Richter, Stevens Point, Wisconsin
The first time I made this pie it was delectable, so I wanted to share it. Fresh strawberries sprinkled with cinnamon make a delicious pie served warm or slightly chilled. —Patricia Kutchins, Lake Zurich, Illinois
I knew that clementines and strawberries would create a luscious combination in a fruit pop, and I have to say these are delicious! —Colleen Ludovice, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Strawberry shortcake is one of my favorite desserts. I thought it would be great to capture all that wonderful flavor, so I made these strawberry shortcake cookies topped with pink strawberry frosting. —Allison Anderson, Avondale, Arizona
Here's a twist on a classic dessert that highlights another flavor combo my husband and I love: strawberries and white chocolate. Lighten it up if you'd like—I've had good luck with light nondairy whipped topping and reduced-fat cream cheese. —Anna Ginsberg, Chicago, Illinois
This creamy, luscious ice cream will remind you of the signature treat served at church ice cream socials. What dessert could be better? —Esther Johnson, Merrill, Wisconsin—Esther Johnson, Merrill, Wisconsin
For a dessert that looks as great as it tastes, this one can't be beat! Layers of rich pound cake, luscious cream and sweet strawberries make this treat very inviting. —Marnie Stoughton, Glenburnie, Ontario
This fruity, luscious dessert makes a wonderful ending to a special dinner. When fresh strawberries are not available, substitute two packages frozen unsweetened strawberries, thawed and drained, for the fresh. —Joyce Cooper, Mount Forest, Ontario
It's well worth the effort to whip up this creamy fruit tart bursting with juicy berries. A friend gave me the recipe, and it always receives rave reviews at gatherings. —Susan Terzakis, Andover, Massachusetts
Betsy Karetnick is a lifestyle and media expert. In 2004, she created The Portable Garden, a destination floral and event design company for corporate, nonprofit and personal events. Betsy is also an accomplished broadcaster, starting her career in financial journalism first at Dow Jones, then CBS Marketwatch and WNET. Hired by Martha Stewart for her expertise in food and flowers, Betsy worked exclusively as a host on the channel for its nearly eight-year tenure on SiriusXM. She writes about food, drink and the garden, including on dishtillery.substack.com, a newsletter she shares with her sister.
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