Best Strawberry Plants To Grow At Home
Nothing beats the taste of freshly picked strawberries, and what better way to enjoy them than growing your own plants at home. Homegrown strawberries are not only delicious, but they are also easy to grow and require very little maintenance. With so many varieties of strawberry plants available, it can be overwhelming to choose the best ones to grow in your garden. In this article, we will explore the best strawberry plants to grow at home, their characteristics, and how to care for them.
1. June-Bearing Strawberries
June-bearing strawberries are the most common type of strawberries grown in home gardens. They produce a large crop in late spring to early summer, and the fruit is usually bigger than other varieties. June-bearing strawberries are also known for their excellent flavor and are perfect for making preserves, jams, and pies. Some popular varieties of June-bearing strawberries include:
- Chandler
- Allstar
- Cavendish
- Honeoye
To grow June-bearing strawberries, it is recommended to plant them in the spring or fall. They prefer well-drained soil and full sun exposure. June-bearing strawberries require regular watering and fertilization to produce a bountiful crop.
2. Everbearing Strawberries
Everbearing strawberries produce fruit throughout the growing season, with the heaviest crop in late summer to early fall. They are smaller in size compared to June-bearing strawberries, but they have a sweet and tangy flavor. Everbearing strawberries are perfect for snacking and adding to salads. Some popular varieties of everbearing strawberries include:
- Seascape
- Albion
- Quinault
- Ozark Beauty
Everbearing strawberries can be grown in containers or in the ground. They prefer well-drained soil and full sun exposure. Everbearing strawberries require regular watering and fertilization to produce a consistent crop.
3. Day-Neutral Strawberries
Day-neutral strawberries produce fruit throughout the growing season, regardless of the day length. They are similar in size to everbearing strawberries and have a sweet and mild flavor. Day-neutral strawberries are perfect for snacking and adding to smoothies. Some popular varieties of day-neutral strawberries include:
- Tribute
- Tresca
- Tristar
- Sequoia
Day-neutral strawberries can be grown in containers or in the ground. They prefer well-drained soil and partial sun exposure. Day-neutral strawberries require regular watering and fertilization to produce a consistent crop.
Caring for Your Strawberry Plants
To ensure a healthy and bountiful crop of strawberries, it is important to care for your plants properly. Here are some tips for caring for your strawberry plants:
- Water your plants regularly, especially during the hot summer months.
- Fertilize your plants with a balanced fertilizer every 4-6 weeks.
- Remove any weeds or debris from around your plants.
- Cover your plants with netting to protect them from birds and other animals.
- Trim off any dead or yellow leaves to prevent disease.
- Harvest your strawberries as soon as they are ripe to prevent rotting.
By following these simple tips, you can enjoy a bountiful harvest of fresh strawberries from your own garden.
Conclusion
Growing your own strawberry plants at home is a fun and rewarding experience. Whether you prefer June-bearing, everbearing, or day-neutral strawberries, there is a variety that will suit your taste and growing conditions. By following the tips for caring for your plants, you can enjoy a bountiful crop of delicious strawberries all season long.