Strawberry Plants & Fruit

For home gardeners, strawberries are an excellent way to provide the family with vitamin C-rich fruits. Strawberry plants do not require a significant amount of garden space and about 25 plants can provide enough fruit for a family of four, according to Ohio State University. Additionally, strawberries respond well to freezing and may be used in a wide variety of recipes.

Types

• There are three main types of strawberry plants available for the home gardener, including June-bearing, ever-bearing and day-neutral types, according to the University of Illinois. June-bearing varieties are the most popular, producing fruit for two to three weeks in the spring. June-bearing strawberries do not produce a crop the first year, but day-neutral varieties fruit the first year. Ever-bearing strawberries produce fruit in the spring, summer and fall.

Planting Site

• Strawberries grow best when planted in loose, fertile soil with a slightly acidic pH, according to Ohio State University. Grow in full-sun for the optimum fruit yield.

Cultural Control

• Control weeds with herbicides or a mechanical weed pulling device. Strawberries require 1 to 1 1/2 inches of water per week from mid-June to mid-August. Most strawberry plants will produce fruit for one to three growing seasons. Remove weeds, trim back leaves and treat strawberry gardens with 10-10-10 fertilizer after harvesting.