Strawberries

Add cream for a Wimbledon classic! 

Bought as potted plants or bare-rooted runners, strawberry plants can be planted directly into garden soil. Strawberries only need sun, shelter, and fertile soil. Achieve this by adding manure to the soil before planting.

Measure out planting holes 35cm apart. Space rows 75cm apart. Dig a hole that will fit in all the roots. Trim the roots lightly to 10cm, then spread them out in the hole. Firm the strawberry plant gently into the soil. Water the plant well.

Top tips

– Water new plants frequently. Avoid getting the fruit wet when watering as this can promote disease.

– Give strawberry plants a liquid potash feed every 7 to 14 days during the growing season.

– Pull out any weeds that appear around the plant. Cut off old leaves on the plant, allowing fresh leaves to develop.

– Netting will help protect your strawberries from birds.

Key timings