How to Transplant Strawberries: StepbyStep Guide for Success
How to Transplant Strawberries?
To transplant strawberries, you can use either plugs or bare root crowns.
Plugs are recommended for beginners as they are already rooted in soil and establish quickly.
Bare root crowns are cheaper but require more skills.
The planting time for strawberries depends on the type and climate zone.
Day-neutral strawberries can be planted in spring for same-year harvest or fall for next-year harvest.
June-bearing strawberries can be planted in spring or fall for next-year harvest.
Everbearing strawberries are ideal for spring plantings.
Prepare the strawberry bed by removing weeds, amending with compost, and loosening the soil.
Proper spacing between plants is important, with most varieties preferring 12-18 inches of space.
Transplanting the plugs involves creating a hole slightly larger than the plug, placing it in the hole, and lightly backfilling the soil.
Water the transplants immediately after transplanting and use diluted liquid kelp to stimulate root development.
Fertilize the plants at the time of transplanting using slow-release organic fertilizers.
Row covers can be used to protect the plants.
Runner removal can help give plants space to thrive, and baby plants can be transplanted or given away.
If transplanting to containers, fill halfway with well-drained potting mix and place the transplant, being careful not to plant it too deep.
Water regularly until roots are established before transplanting into the ground.
Transplanting strawberries is not difficult, as the plants are resilient and fast-growing.
Key Points:
- Use either plugs or bare root crowns to transplant strawberries
- Plugs are recommended for beginners and establish quickly
- Bare root crowns are cheaper but require more skills
- Planting time depends on the type and climate zone of strawberries
- Different types of strawberries have different planting times
- Prepare the strawberry bed, space plants properly, water and fertilize after transplanting
Did You Know?
1. Transplanted strawberries can produce fruit for up to seven years, as opposed to only two years for those grown from seeds.
2. Did you know that strawberries belong to the rose family (Rosaceae)? Their sweet aroma is actually a result of shared genetic traits with roses.
3. When transplanting strawberries, it is important to avoid burying the crown (the thickened part where the leaves meet the roots) too deep. Planting them too deep can hinder their growth and result in poor fruit production.
4. Strawberry plants can also make great companions for other garden plants! Interplanting strawberries with herbs like thyme and rosemary can help deter pests that are commonly attracted to strawberry crops.
5. Strawberries are not true berries! They are considered false berries because the seeds are located on the outside of the fruit, rather than inside.
Transplanting Strawberry Plugs Vs Bare Root Crowns
Transplanting strawberries can be done using either plugs or bare root crowns. Each method has its own advantages and considerations.
Plugs are a popular choice, especially for beginners, as they are easier to handle and establish quickly. These transplants are already rooted in soil, allowing for a smoother transition into the garden. They come in small containers, ready to be planted directly into the ground. Plugs are also a great option if you’re looking for a specific variety, as they offer a wide range of choices.
On the other hand, bare root crowns are cheaper but require more skills and experience to transplant successfully. They come with exposed roots and require careful handling during the planting process. Bare root crowns offer a wider variety selection compared to plugs. However, if you’re a beginner, it may be best to start with plugs before attempting bare root crowns.
Planting Strawberries Based On Type And Climate Zone
The timing of planting strawberries is dependent on both the type of strawberries and the climate zone. Understanding these factors is crucial for a successful transplantation.
- Day-neutral strawberries offer flexibility in harvest time and can be planted in either spring or fall. If planted in spring, they can be harvested in the same year. If planted in the fall, they will produce fruit the following year.
- June-bearing strawberries are ideally planted in the spring or fall to ensure a harvest in the following year.
- Everbearing strawberries are best suited for spring plantings.
When deciding on the best time to transplant strawberries, it is important to consider your climate zone. Here are some guidelines for different zones:
- Northern zones: It is advisable to plant in late spring to allow for establishment before the winter season.
- Southern zones: Planting can be done in either spring or fall.
- Subtropical zones: Aim to plant in the fall to avoid potential heat stress.
It is crucial to consider the specific type of strawberries and the climate zone when determining the optimal time for transplantation.
“Timing is everything when it comes to planting strawberries.”
Preparing The Soil And Proper Spacing For Strawberry Plants
Before transplanting strawberries, it is important to prepare the soil to create optimal growing conditions. The strawberry beds should be weed-free and amended with compost. This helps enrich the soil with nutrients and improve its quality.
Strawberries prefer loose, aerated soil with a slightly acidic pH. It is advisable to test the soil pH and make adjustments if necessary. Raking the bed flat ensures an even surface for planting.
Proper spacing between strawberry plants is crucial for their growth and airflow. Most strawberry varieties prefer 12 to 18 inches of space between each plant. This spacing allows for adequate airflow, reducing the risk of disease.
- Prepare the soil by removing weeds and adding compost
- Test the soil pH and adjust if needed
- Rake the bed flat for an even surface
- Space strawberry plants 12 to 18 inches apart to promote airflow and minimize disease risk.
“Proper soil preparation and spacing are essential for successful strawberry transplantation.”
Steps For Transplanting Strawberry Plugs
Transplanting strawberry plugs involves a few simple steps to ensure successful growth.
First, create a hole in the prepared soil slightly larger than the size of the plug. Carefully remove the plant from its container, making sure to keep the root system intact. Place the plug in the hole and lightly backfill the soil around the roots. Avoid burying the crown too deeply as this can lead to crown rot.
After planting, it is crucial to water the transplants immediately. Using a watering can or hose on a light setting, deeply water the new plants, ensuring that the water passes into the lower layers and doesn’t pool up around the base. Adding a diluted liquid kelp solution to the water can stimulate fast root development and provide extra trace minerals.
Lastly, fertilize the newly transplanted strawberry plants at the time of transplanting. Slow-release organic fertilizers like bone meal or fish meal can be applied according to the manufacturer’s instructions. Be cautious not to over-fertilize, as this can result in excessive foliage growth at the expense of fruit and flowers.
Transplanting Runners And Pruning For Optimal Growth
Transplanting runners from an existing strawberry patch can be a great way to give the plants enough space to thrive. Runners are shoots that extend from the mother plant and produce baby plants.
To transplant runners, first, remove them from the mother plant. Plant these runners in small containers filled with a well-drained potting mix. Take care to avoid planting them too deep to prevent crown rot.
If you wish to thin out your strawberry patch or give baby plants away, baby plants from runners can also be transplanted elsewhere in the garden or given away in containers.
Pruning runners can also help contain a strawberry patch and focus plant energy on producing more fruit. By removing runners, you can encourage the plants to put more energy into producing larger and more abundant strawberries.
- Transplant runners from an existing strawberry patch
- Remove runners from the mother plant
- Plant runners in small containers with well-drained potting mix
- Avoid planting runners too deep to prevent crown rot
- Transplant baby plants from runners elsewhere in the garden or give them away in containers
- Prune runners to contain strawberry patch and focus energy on fruit production
Transplanting Strawberries Into Containers Or Garden Beds
Transplanting strawberries into containers or garden beds can be done following similar steps, with a few variations.
If you are transplanting strawberries into containers, ensure the pots are prepared to receive the runners. Fill the pots halfway with a well-drained potting mix. Gently place the strawberry transplant in the pot, ensuring that only the top of the crown and leaves are exposed. Avoid planting it too deep, as this can lead to crown rot. After transplanting, move the containers to a sunny or partially shady area and maintain consistent watering until the plants establish new roots in their new containers. Once the root system is established, the plants can be safely transplanted into the ground.
If you are establishing a new strawberry bed, runners can be transplanted directly into the new garden area instead of using containers. When the runners are removed, place them in a bucket with soil attached to the roots and transplant them directly into the prepared garden bed.
In both cases, large bushy plants should be spaced 10 to 12 inches apart, and all runners should be removed to promote better plant growth.
Transplanting strawberries is not a daunting task. With the proper techniques and understanding of the plant’s needs, you can successfully transplant these resilient and fast-growing plants. They will quickly re-establish themselves, providing you with delicious strawberries year after year.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do you transplant strawberry?
To transplant a strawberry plant, it is important to first determine the depth it was originally growing in and plant it at the same level. Typically, strawberries are spaced about 1 to 2 feet apart in rows that are about 3 feet apart. After carefully digging up the plant, it is crucial to water it thoroughly right after transplantation. By following these steps, you can successfully transplant strawberry plants and ensure their healthy growth in the new location.
What month is best to transplant strawberries?
The ideal month for transplanting strawberries is generally late August, particularly in the United States. This is because the fall season is considered the optimal time to carefully dig up and transplant younger strawberry plants that have already established themselves. By doing this during late August, one ensures that the plants have enough time to acclimate to their new location and establish a strong root system before the arrival of winter.
How do you plant strawberries step by step?
Planting strawberries requires careful consideration of the site selection. It is essential to choose a location that receives ample sunlight, preferably on high ground with well-tilled soil. Once the ideal spot is identified, dig a hole that is approximately 5-6 inches deep. Next, space the strawberry plants 12 inches apart from each other in the prepared soil. When inserting the plant roots into the hole, it is crucial to allow them to hang down their full length and fan out for optimal growth. Following these steps will help ensure a successful strawberry planting process.
Can you replant a fresh strawberry?
While regrowing vegetables and fruits from scraps has become a popular trend, unfortunately, strawberries do not fall under this category. Unlike avocados, lettuce, and onions, strawberry tops cannot be successfully replanted to grow a new plant. If a strawberry top is cut off and planted in compost, it will not develop roots and instead, it will decompose. Therefore, if you want to grow strawberries, it is recommended to start with seeds or young plants instead of attempting to replant a fresh strawberry.