Bare Root Strawberry Plants For Sale Australia
If you're looking to grow your own strawberries in Australia, you may have come across the term "bare root" strawberry plants. But what exactly are they, and where can you buy them? In this article, we'll cover everything you need to know about buying and growing bare root strawberry plants in Australia.
What Are Bare Root Strawberry Plants?
Bare root strawberry plants are simply young strawberry plants that have been dug up from the ground, with the soil removed from their roots. This means that they are sold without any soil around their roots, hence the term "bare root". They are typically sold in a dormant state, which means that they are not actively growing when you buy them.
So why would you want to buy bare root strawberry plants? Well, there are a few reasons:
- Cost: Bare root strawberry plants are generally cheaper than potted plants, since they don't require any soil or containers.
- Availability: Bare root plants are usually only available during the dormant season, which is typically in late autumn to early spring. This means that you can buy them when potted plants may not be available.
- Easy to transport: Bare root plants are lighter and easier to transport than potted plants, since they don't have any soil or containers.
Where To Buy Bare Root Strawberry Plants In Australia
You can typically buy bare root strawberry plants from nurseries and garden centers in Australia, as well as online retailers. Some popular options include:
- Burpee: This online retailer offers a variety of bare root strawberry plants, including popular varieties like Chandler and Albion.
- Diggers: This Australian nursery offers a range of bare root strawberry plants, as well as advice on how to grow them.
- Bunnings: This popular hardware store chain in Australia also sells bare root strawberry plants during the dormant season.
When buying bare root strawberry plants, it's important to choose plants that are healthy and disease-free. Look for plants with firm, white roots and no signs of mold or rot. Avoid plants with brown or black roots, as this can be a sign of disease.
How To Grow Bare Root Strawberry Plants
Now that you've got your bare root strawberry plants, it's time to start growing them! Here are some tips on how to plant and care for your bare root strawberry plants:
- Planting: Plant your bare root strawberry plants as soon as possible after you receive them, ideally within 24 hours. Soak the roots in water for a few hours before planting to rehydrate them. Choose a sunny, well-draining spot in your garden, and make sure the soil is moist but not waterlogged.
- Spacing: Space your strawberry plants around 30-40cm apart, with rows around 60-70cm apart.
- Watering: Keep your strawberry plants well-watered, especially during hot weather. It's best to water them early in the morning or in the evening, to avoid evaporation.
- Fertilizing: Feed your strawberry plants with a balanced fertilizer every few weeks during the growing season.
- Pests and Diseases: Keep an eye out for pests like aphids and spider mites, as well as diseases like gray mold and verticillium wilt. Remove any infected plants or leaves immediately to prevent the spread of disease.
Conclusion
Buying and growing bare root strawberry plants in Australia can be a great way to save money and get your garden started early in the season. By following the tips in this article, you'll be well on your way to growing your own delicious strawberries at home.