Strawberry Season: When to Plant in the UK for Harvest Success

Strawberries are a beloved fruit, cherished for their sweet flavor and vibrant red color. Growing your own strawberries can be rewarding. You’ll get fresh, juicy berries from your garden. However, to achieve a successful harvest, it’s essential to understand the best planting times and practices specific to the UK. 

Timing plays a crucial role in ensuring your plants thrive and yield a plentiful harvest. Have you ever wondered when exactly to plant various crops to optimize growth and productivity? 

This article explores the best planting times for UK vegetables and fruits. It gives expert advice on when to sow or transplant for gardening success.

Understanding the Strawberry Plant

Before discussing planting schedules, we must know some basics about strawberry plants. Strawberry plants are perennial plants, meaning they can produce fruit year after year when properly cared for. 

They grow low to the ground and spread through runners, which are horizontal stems that produce new plants.

Types of Strawberries

There are three main types of strawberries:

1. June-Bearing: These strawberries produce a large, concentrated crop in early summer, usually in June.
2. Ever-Bearing: These produce two to three harvests per season, typically in late spring, summer, and autumn.
3. Day-Neutral: These can produce fruit continuously throughout the growing season as long as temperatures remain between 35°F (1.6°C) and 85°F (29.4°C).

Knowing these types helps plan your planting and harvest schedules. This will ensure you have strawberries all season.

Best Time to Plant Strawberries in the UK

Timing is crucial when planting strawberries. Planting at the right time ensures that the plants establish well and produce a good yield.

Spring Planting

Spring is the ideal time to plant strawberries in the UK. Planting in March or April allows the plants to establish before the growing season is in full swing. The soil should be well-drained and prepared before planting. Spring-planted strawberries will usually bear fruit in their first summer. But, the harvest may be smaller than in later years.

Autumn Planting

Planting strawberries in late summer or early autumn, around August to September, is also a popular method. This gives the plants enough time to establish strong roots before the winter. Autumn planting often leads to a better harvest the following year since the plants have a longer period to settle in.

Soil and Site Preparation

Strawberries prefer well-drained, fertile soil with a pH between 5.5 and 6.5. Choosing a sunny site is essential, as strawberries thrive in full sun.

Soil Preparation Steps

1. Test the Soil: Use a soil test kit to check the pH and nutrient levels.
2. Amend the Soil: Add compost or well-rotted manure to improve fertility.
3. Till the Soil: Till to a depth of about 12 inches to ensure good root development.
4. Create Raised Beds: If your soil is heavy clay or poorly drained, consider planting in raised beds to improve drainage.

Related: When to Plant Strawberries Indiana

Planting Strawberries

Planting Bare-Root Strawberries

Bare-root strawberries are dormant plants that are sold without soil around their roots. They are typically available in early spring and are a cost-effective way to start a strawberry patch.

1. Soak the Roots: Soak the roots in water for about an hour before planting.
2. Dig Holes: Dig holes that are wide enough to spread the roots out without bending them.
3. Planting Depth: Plant so the crown (where the leaves meet the roots) is at soil level. Planting too deep can cause the crown to rot, while planting too shallow can expose roots.
4. Spacing: Space the strawberry plants about 18 inches apart in rows that are 2 feet apart.

Planting Potted Strawberries

Potted strawberry plants can be planted at any time during the growing season, but spring and early autumn are best.

1. Remove from Pot: Gently remove the plant from its pot, keeping the root ball intact.
2. Dig a Hole: Dig a hole that is slightly larger than the root ball.
3. Planting Depth: Place the plant in the hole at the same depth it was in the pot.
4. Water Well: Water thoroughly after planting to help settle the soil around the roots.

Caring for Strawberry Plants

Growing Strawberries In Pots Or Containers!

Proper care throughout the growing season ensures healthy plants and a good yield.

Watering

Strawberry need consistent moisture, especially during flowering and fruiting. Water the plants at the base to keep the foliage dry and reduce the risk of fungal diseases. Mulching with straw or black plastic can help retain soil moisture and keep the berries clean.

Fertilizing

Strawberries are relatively light feeders. Apply a balanced fertilizer in early spring and again after the first harvest. Avoid excessive nitrogen, which promotes leaf growth at the expense of fruit production.

Weed Control

Keep the strawberry beds free of weeds, which compete for nutrients and water. Mulching helps suppress weeds and makes maintenance easier.

Pest and Disease Management

Common pests include slugs, snails, and aphids. Use organic or chemical controls as needed. Fungal diseases like powdery mildew and gray mold can be problematic, especially in wet weather. Ensure good air circulation around the plants and remove any diseased leaves or fruit promptly.

Read: How to Remove Strawberry Seed Beetles

Harvesting and Storing Strawberries

Knowing when and how to harvest strawberries is key to enjoying the fruits of your labor.

Harvest Timing

Strawberries are ready to harvest when they are fully red. Check the plants every few days during the peak season to pick ripe berries. Morning is the best time to harvest, as the berries will be cool and less likely to bruise.

Harvesting Tips

1. Pick with the Stem: Gently twist or cut the stem, leaving a small portion attached to the fruit. This helps keep the berries fresher for longer.
2. Handle Gently: Handle the berries with care to avoid bruising.

Storing Strawberries

Fresh strawberries are best eaten soon after harvesting, but they can be stored in the refrigerator for up to a week. Place them in a single layer on a paper towel-lined tray and cover with plastic wrap. For longer storage, strawberries can be frozen, dried, or made into jams and preserves.

Table: Strawberry Planting and Care Guide

Task	Timing	Details
Soil Preparation	Before planting	Amend soil with compost, test pH, and till thoroughly
Spring Planting	March to April	Plant bare-root or potted plants
Autumn Planting	August to September	Plant bare-root or potted plants
Watering	Growing season	Keep soil consistently moist, mulch to retain moisture
Fertilizing	Early spring and post-harvest	Apply balanced fertilizer, avoid excess nitrogen
Weed Control	Ongoing	Keep beds weed-free, use mulch
Pest Management	As needed	Monitor and treat for pests and diseases
Harvesting	When fully red	Pick in the morning, handle gently
Storing	Immediately post-harvest	Refrigerate for up to a week, freeze for long-term storage

Read: Drying Strawberry Seeds

Extending the Strawberry Season

For gardeners who want to enjoy strawberries beyond the typical harvest season, there are a few strategies to consider.

Successive Planting

Planting June-bearing, ever-bearing, and day-neutral strawberries extends the harvest. This approach ensures that you have fresh strawberries from late spring through autumn.

Greenhouse Growing

Growing strawberries from seeds in a greenhouse or polytunel can extend the growing season and protect the plants from adverse weather. This method is particularly useful in northern regions with shorter growing seasons.

Forcing Strawberries

Forcing involves growing strawberries under cover to induce early flowering and fruiting. This can be done using cloches, cold frames, or even indoor growing setups with grow lights.

Read: Strawberry Growing Stages: Plant Life Cycle & Timeline

Common Problems and Solutions

Strawberry plants can face various challenges, but most can be managed with proper care and attention.

Poor Fruit Production

If your plants are producing few or small berries, it could be due to insufficient sunlight, poor soil fertility, or overcrowding. Ensure plants get at least six hours of direct sunlight daily. Provide balanced fertilizer. Thin out runners to prevent overcrowding.

Pest Damage

Pests like slugs, snails, and birds can wreck havoc on your strawberry crop. Use slug traps, netting, and organic pest control methods to protect your plants.

Fungal Diseases

Wet weather can lead to fungal diseases such as powdery mildew and gray mold. Space plants properly, mulch to keep foliage dry, and remove affected leaves. This will improve air circulation.

Conclusion

Growing strawberries in the UK can be a delightful and productive endeavor with the right knowledge and timing. You can enjoy a bountiful harvest of sweet, juicy strawberries. Just plant at the right times, prepare the soil, and care for the plants. 

Plant in spring or autumn. Follow these guidelines. They will help you achieve a successful harvest. You’ll enjoy the fruits of your labor all season. Happy gardening!