Strawberry cultivation: recommendations on cultivar selection and care of plantings

Strawberries are suitable for growing in limited spaces, including containers, raised beds, and hanging baskets. For successful root system development in containers, it is recommended to use high-quality mixtures such as Tui Strawberry Mix or Ican Premium Potting Mix. When planting in open soil, it is necessary to improve soil structure and drainage using compost and fertilizer (e.g., Tui Sheep Pellets or Yates Dynamic Lifter). Plants require a sunny location and raised beds, which help warm the roots and reduce the risk of disease.

To extend the fruiting period, author Gareth Carter advises combining short-day and day-neutral cultivars. Short-day cultivars (e.g., Camerosa and Ventana) produce the main harvest from early November to Christmas. Day-neutral cultivars, including Monterey, Albion, and Aromas, fruit in waves from December to March. This approach allows for a continuous harvest of berries for half a year.

Care for the plantings includes mulching to maintain soil moisture and control weeds, for which pea straw or black landscape fabric are used. Regular irrigation and the application of specialized fertilizers, such as Ican Berry Food, are also necessary, as strawberries require active feeding. During the winter period, it is recommended to remove dried foliage, and top dressing should be performed in August or September.

Since plant productivity decreases after three years, daughter rosettes (runners) should be used to renew the beds. In the first year, it is recommended to remove them to direct the plant's resources toward fruiting, and starting from the second year, the healthiest specimens should be selected for propagation.

An important aspect of protecting the harvest from birds is installing frame structures with netting. The netting must be positioned at least 30 cm above the level of the plants and be securely fastened at the base to prevent birds from accessing the fruits.