![]() ![]() So, the question stands, “How to grow strawberries in high heat?” When combining strawberries and hot summer climates, set the new plants late in the summer to allow time to establish during the cooler months so the berries are ripe in midwinter. Keep in mind that strawberries take four to five months of growth before they are ripe for harvest and well-established plants are the most prolific producers. The trick to growing strawberries in hot climates is to have the berries ready for picking in mid-winter, not late spring or early summer as is common in temperate zones. (29 C.) is possible with a bit of preparation and planting at the correct time of year. Strawberry growing in hot weather, where the daytime temperatures are more often than not over 85 F. If you do, they’ll produce beautifully for years.Easy to grow in moderately temperate climates, there are those of us in hot areas of the country, including desert climates, that yearn for fresh strawberries plucked dewy and sweet from our own backyard. Take preventative measures and keep an eye on your plants. Strawberry plants are susceptible to several diseases and pests but if you catch them early, they’re no big deal. Winterizing doesn’t need to be hard, but it does need to be done. If your plants survive, you could deal with a smaller harvest or the early onset of diseases that also survived the winter and attack tender new growth in the spring.Ĭut off dead leaves, clean up fallen leaves, mulch heavily, and don’t stop watering until the ground freezes. Be patient! Not winterizingįailing to winterize your strawberry plants could mean you have to start all over next year. Allowing them to establish a good root system first will maximize your harvests to come. Your plants will produce berries for 3-5 years. It may sound heartbreaking, and it can be a difficult task, but pinching off the flowers in the first year of planting signals the strawberry plant to focus on developing strong, healthy roots. It can even protect your plants from common fungi that could destroy berry production or even kill your plants. It will keep your berries clean and out of the mud. An appropriate light mulch, such as straw or pine needles, stabilizes the temperature and moisture of the soil. ![]() Mulch does so much more for strawberry plants than just making the bed look nice. Reference these quick tips for fertilizing your strawberry plants for the first time. Too much fertilizer can result in dead plants or at least lowered berry production. ![]() Over or under fertilizingįor the best berry production and healthy plants, your strawberries need fertilizer at regular intervals. Soon you’ll develop a schedule that will take all the guesswork out of watering. Watering in the middle of the day can do more harm than good to your plants. Water your strawberry plants in the morning or evening, avoiding the middle of the day. If the soil remains wet for several days in a row, take steps to improve soil drainage. If the soil is wet or muddy, wait until the soil drains to water again. If the soil is dry when you check, water your strawberries thoroughly and check back more frequently. If so, water your plants thoroughly then wait for the soil to drain before watering again. It should be damp just below the surface. Stick a finger in the soil near your plants. Watering your strawberry plants properly will be easy if you pay attention to the soil. The soil line should land right between the roots and the upper part of the plant. Just remember: the crown should show, and the roots should not. It’s easy to accidentally plant your crowns too deep, especially if it’s your first time. Avoid planting them too close to any of these plants as well. Choose a sunny part of your yard or garden with soil that drains well for best results.Īvoid planting your strawberry plants where you’ve previously grown any plants in the nightshade family as they can leave behind diseases in the soil. There are a few shade-tolerant varieties of strawberry, but most require full sun. Make sure you understand the difference between June-bearing, ever-bearing, and day-neutral types so you’ll know what to expect from your new perennial strawberry plants. If you prefer to shop online, check our list of best strawberry varieties by state or Canadian province. Make sure to purchase a strawberry plant variety that will thrive in your climate by visiting your local nursery. Not only are different varieties bred for different characteristics, but also different climates. The first and biggest mistake a new strawberry gardener can make is to plant the wrong variety for your area. ![]()
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