Growing Strawberries: Do Strawberries Need a Trellis?

Have you ever gazed at your garden and wondered if there’s a better way to grow strawberries? Perhaps you’ve heard about trellising, but you’re not sure if it’s doable and recommended.

Strawberries are mesmerizing both in taste and appearance – known for their sweet, juicy flavor and versatility in the kitchen. But what if I told you there’s a way to grow them that not only saves space but also results in cleaner, healthier fruits? It might sound like a gardening dream, but it’s entirely possible with the art of vertical growing.

This article will revolve around information regarding “Do strawberries need a trellis or not”. And, we will also explore other options that aid in growing strawberries vertically. So, stay tuned!

Strawberry Knowledge – Varieties, Growth, Rooting and Reproduction

Strawberry plants are characterized by their lush green leaves and dainty white flowers. They come in different varieties, including June-bearing, everbearing, and day-neutral, each with its own growth habits.

1. Varieties of Strawberries

Strawberry plants come in various forms, each with its unique characteristics. Understanding the distinctions between these varieties is essential for effective cultivation:

June-Bearing Strawberries: These strawberries produce a single, abundant crop in late spring or early summer. They are well-suited for traditional garden beds.

Everbearing Strawberries: As the name suggests, everbearing strawberries yield multiple harvests throughout the growing season. Their versatility makes them a popular choice for various gardening methods, including trellising.

Day-Neutral Strawberries: Day-neutral varieties offer a continuous supply of strawberries from late spring to fall. Their adaptability to different climates makes them suitable for trellis-based cultivation.

2. Growth Habits of Strawberry Plants

Understanding strawberry plant growth stages is crucial for successful trellising. While strawberries don’t naturally climb like vines, they have unique growth habits:

Runner Formation: Strawberry plants produce runners, which are long, horizontal stems that extend from the main plant. Runners have the potential to be trained vertically on a trellis.

Crown and Foliage: The crown of the strawberry plant is the central growing point from which leaves and fruit stems emerge. Healthy foliage is essential for photosynthesis and fruit production.

3. Rooting Mechanism

One distinctive feature of strawberry plants is their ability to produce roots along the length of their runners. This characteristic facilitates the establishment of new plants, making strawberries excellent candidates for trellising.

4. Reproductive Strategy

Strawberry plants primarily reproduce through runners. As runners take root, they give rise to genetically identical plants, creating a network of interconnected strawberry plants. This unique reproductive strategy has implications for trellising and overall plant health.

Back to the Central Question – Do Strawberries Need a Trellis?

The idea of trellising strawberries may raise questions. Do strawberries climb, or do they merely spread on the ground? The truth is, strawberries do not naturally climb like vines, but they can benefit immensely from trellises.

The central question at hand is whether strawberries necessitate the support of a trellis. To address this, it’s crucial to dissect the mechanics of strawberry growth and the potential benefits of trellising without delving into the advantages and disadvantages, which we will explore in a later section.

1. Natural Growth of Strawberries

Strawberry plants have an inherent growth pattern that needs to be considered. They are not natural climbers like vine plants. Instead, they spread along the ground. This characteristic can be both a strength and a limitation, depending on your gardening goals.

Trellises, typically associated with climbing plants, might not seem like an obvious fit for strawberries. However, trellises can play a vital role in optimizing the growth and productivity of strawberry plants.

2. Encouraging Vertical Growth

While strawberries don’t climb on their own, they have a unique feature that allows for vertical growth. This feature is the runners, which are long, slender stems that extend from the main plant. Runners can be trained to grow upward, and this is where trellises come into play.

3. Training Strawberries on a Trellis

By providing a trellis, you can guide strawberry runners to grow vertically instead of sprawling across the ground. This controlled growth not only saves space but also offers several advantages, which we will explore in detail later.

4. Factors Influencing the Need for Trellising

Several factors influence whether you should consider trellising your strawberries, including the strawberry varieties you are growing, the available space, and your desire to prevent soil-related issues. These factors interplay to determine whether trellising is a suitable approach for your strawberry cultivation.

How to Grow Strawberries on a Trellis

Although not required, but if you wish, you can grow strawberries on a trellis using the below method:

Materials You’ll Need:

1. Trellis System: Choose or construct a trellis that suits your garden and aesthetics. Common materials include wood, PVC pipes, or metal wire. Ensure it is durable and capable of supporting the weight of mature strawberry plants.
2. Strawberry Plants: Select strawberry varieties that are well-suited to your climate. Choices often include June-bearing, everbearing, or day-neutral types. Obtain healthy strawberry plants from a reputable source.
3. Container or Hanging Bags: You’ll need containers or hanging bags to house your strawberry plants. These should have proper drainage and be securely attached to your trellis if you are growing vertically.
4. Potting Mix: Opt for a high-quality potting mix that provides excellent drainage. Good soil is essential for healthy strawberry growth.
5. Strawberry Runners: Strawberry runners are small plantlets that sprout from mature strawberry plants. These can be used to propagate new strawberry plants.

Steps to Grow Strawberries on a Trellis:

Step#1 – Select the Perfect Location:

Identify a sunny spot in your garden where your trellis can be installed. Strawberries require at least 6-8 hours of direct sunlight each day for optimal fruit production.

Step#2 Setting up the Trellis:

Install a stable trellis in your chosen sunny location. Consider its design (vertical or horizontal), material, and height. Ensure it’s securely anchored and allows enough space for your strawberry plants to climb and bear fruit. Use support accessories like stakes or ties if needed.

Step#3 Get the Soil:

Fill your containers or hanging bags with a high-quality potting mix. Ensure that the soil has good drainage properties, as strawberries are susceptible to root rot in waterlogged conditions.

Step#4 – Plant Your Strawberry Runners:

Carefully plant the strawberry runners in the containers or hanging bags. Space them approximately 8-12 inches apart to allow adequate room for growth. Ensure that the crown (the part where the stems meet the roots) of each plant is level with the soil’s surface. After planting, water the strawberries thoroughly to settle the soil around the roots.

Step#5 – Train the Runners:

As your strawberry plants grow, they will naturally produce runners. These runners should be encouraged to climb the trellis. Use soft ties, clips, or twine to gently guide the runners along the trellis structure. This training technique helps prevent overcrowding and promotes upward growth.

Step#6 – Giving it Ideal Temperature

The most suitable temperature to grow strawberries is between 68°F-75°F (20-24°C)!

Step#6 – Fertilization:

Follow the fertilizer instructions on the packaging, typically using a balanced, slow-release fertilizer. Regular feeding ensures that your strawberry plants receive the necessary nutrients for healthy growth and fruit production.

Step#7 – Watering:

Maintain consistent soil moisture, ensuring it remains evenly moist but not waterlogged. Containers should have adequate drainage to prevent overwatering. Remember that strawberry plants require more water during hot and dry periods.

Step#8 – Pruning:

To maintain healthy growth and prevent disease, regularly inspect your strawberry plants. Prune away dead or diseased foliage, and trim back excess runners to maintain proper spacing and encourage robust fruit production.

Step#9 – Mulching:

Apply a layer of mulch, such as straw or wood chips, around the base of the strawberry plants. Mulch helps retain soil moisture, regulates soil temperature, and suppresses weed growth.

Also, be aware of weeds that look like strawberries.

Step#10 – Harvesting:

When your strawberries are ripe, gently pluck them from the plants. Be careful not to damage the plant or fruit during harvest. Enjoy the sweet, juicy rewards of your labor!

Step#11 – Taking Care of Pest and Disease:

Be vigilant for common strawberry pests like aphids, slugs, and snails, as well as diseases like powdery mildew and gray mold. Take appropriate measures, such as using organic pesticides or hand-picking pests, to control infestations. Installing bird netting can also protect your ripening strawberries from hungry birds.

Types of Trellises Suitable for Strawberries: A Closer Look

Selecting the right trellis system is a pivotal decision in your journey towards successful strawberry trellising. Let’s delve deeper into the various trellis options suitable for strawberries, each with its unique features and benefits.

1. Trellis Netting: Flexibility and Versatility

Trellis netting is a popular choice among gardeners for trellising strawberries due to its flexibility and ease of use.

• Flexibility: Trellis netting can be easily adapted to fit various garden sizes and shapes, making it a versatile choice.
• Gentle Support: The soft netting provides gentle support for strawberry runners as they climb. It reduces the risk of damaging the plants while promoting vertical growth.
• Efficient Space Utilization: Trellis netting allows for high-density planting, optimizing your garden space and maximizing strawberry yield.

2. Trellis Panels: Sturdy and Reliable

Trellis panels are known for their sturdiness and reliability, making them an excellent choice for trellising strawberries. Here’s what you need to know:

• Durability: Trellis panels, often made of metal or wood, are built to withstand the elements, ensuring long-lasting support for your strawberry plants.
• Even Support: These panels feature evenly spaced gaps or grid patterns that provide consistent support for strawberry plants as they climb.
• Adaptable Design: Trellis panels can be customized to suit your garden layout and the number of strawberry plants you wish to grow.

3. PVC Pipe Trellis: Cost-Effective and DIY-Friendly

For those who enjoy do-it-yourself (DIY) projects and seek a cost-effective trellis option, PVC pipe trellises are worth considering. Here’s what makes them a practical choice:

• Affordability: PVC pipes are readily available and budget-friendly, making them a cost-effective option for DIY enthusiasts.
• Customization: You have the freedom to design and construct a trellis system that precisely fits your garden space and accommodates your strawberry plants.
• Easy Assembly: PVC pipes are easy to work with, requiring minimal tools and skills to create a functional trellis.

When choosing the right trellis system for your strawberry garden, consider factors such as your budget, available space, and personal preferences. Each of these trellis types has its own set of advantages, allowing you to tailor your strawberry trellising approach to meet your specific needs and gardening style.

Case Studies of Successful Vertical Strawberry Cultivation: Real-Life Inspiration

Now that we’ve established the potential for trellising strawberries, let’s delve into real-life examples of successful vertical strawberry cultivation. These case studies showcase how innovative gardeners have harnessed the power of trellises to maximize their strawberry yields.

1. Tower Gardens: Going Vertical for Abundant Harvests

Tower gardens have gained popularity for their efficient use of space and ability to accommodate various crops, including strawberries. Here’s a glimpse into how they work:

Vertical Design: Tower gardens are essentially freestanding, vertical columns with multiple planting pockets. Each pocket can host a strawberry plant, allowing for high-density cultivation.

Aeroponic System: Many tower gardens employ an aeroponic system, which delivers water and nutrients directly to the plant roots. This hydroponic-like setup promotes rapid growth and robust fruit production.

Space-Saving: Tower gardens are ideal for small gardens, balconies, or patios. They make it possible to grow a substantial number of strawberries in a compact footprint.

2. Wall-Mounted Trellises: Utilizing Vertical Space

Wall-mounted trellises are a creative solution for gardeners with limited ground space. Here’s a look at their potential:

Vertical Support: Wall-mounted trellises are attached to walls or fences, providing sturdy support for climbing plants like strawberries.

Space Efficiency: They utilize vertical space, making them suitable for both small and large gardens.

Improved Airflow: By lifting strawberry plants off the ground, wall-mounted trellises enhance air circulation, reducing the risk of fungal diseases.

3. Hanging Containers: Balcony-Friendly Vertical Gardening

If you have a balcony or limited outdoor space, hanging containers offer a convenient way to cultivate strawberries vertically:

Hanging Baskets: These baskets can hold multiple strawberry plants, suspending them in the air and optimizing sunlight exposure.

Space Utilization: Hanging containers transform unused vertical space into a productive strawberry garden.

Portability: You can easily move hanging containers to catch the best sunlight or create an attractive display.

These case studies demonstrate that trellising strawberries isn’t confined to traditional garden beds. With innovative solutions like tower gardens, wall-mounted trellises, and hanging containers, you can adapt your strawberry cultivation to suit your available space and gardening aspirations.

Do Strawberries Grow on Bushes? Dispelling the Common Misconception

Strawberries, as delightful as they are, often evoke images of lush, berry-laden bushes in many people’s minds. However, it’s essential to clear up a common misconception: strawberries do not grow on bushes.

1. The Myth of Strawberry Bushes

The notion that strawberries grow on bushes likely stems from their appearance. Strawberry plants have dense foliage, with multiple leaves and runners extending from a central crown. This lush growth pattern might resemble a bush to the untrained eye, leading to the misconception.

Strawberries might seem like they grow above the ground, like bushes or trees. But there’s a key difference. Bushes, like oakleaf hydrangea and rhododendron, have woody stems that stand upright. Strawberries don’t have these woody stems, so they aren’t technically bushes.

However, there’s something called a “strawberry bush,” which can be confusing. These plants, like the Euonymus americanus, don’t actually produce the strawberries we know. Instead, they make small, red fruits with five parts, about the size of a marble, usually in the fall. So, while they share a name with strawberries, they look different and produce different fruits.

2. The True Growth Habit of Strawberries

To set the record straight, strawberries are herbaceous perennials with a distinct growth habit. Here’s how strawberry plants actually grow:

• Low-Lying Plants: Strawberry plants typically grow close to the ground, with their crown—the central point from which leaves and fruit stems emerge—situated at or just above soil level.
• Runner Production: Instead of growing on woody branches like bushes, strawberries produce runners—long, slender stems that extend horizontally. These runners can root and give rise to new strawberry plants, creating a network of interconnected plants.
• Spreading Growth: The runners allow strawberries to spread horizontally, forming dense mats of plants. This growth habit is well-suited for ground-level cultivation.

3. Clearing the Confusion

Understanding the true growth pattern of strawberries dispels the myth of strawberry bushes. While strawberry plants exhibit a dense and sprawling appearance, they are fundamentally different from traditional bushes.

This clarification is vital for gardeners as it impacts how strawberries are planted, cared for, and trellised. Recognizing that strawberries are low-lying plants with runners helps gardeners make informed decisions about their cultivation methods and contributes to successful strawberry gardening.

Do Strawberries Grow on Vines?

The notion that strawberries grow on vines is a common misconception. In reality, strawberries do not sprout from vines; rather, they employ a unique growth strategy involving what are known as runners. These runners are essentially stems that extend horizontally from the mother plant and form buds at their tips. Over time, these buds develop into new strawberry plants.

One key distinction between strawberries and true vine plants, such as wisteria or bougainvillea, lies in their growth patterns. Unlike vines, which consistently produce long, trailing stems, strawberries primarily develop these extended stems for reproductive purposes.

So, what do strawberries grow on? The answer is runners, not vines, bushes, or trees. Various strawberry varieties may produce runners of differing lengths, which is why many gardeners opt to employ trellises to guide their growth vertically rather than allowing them to sprawl across the garden.

Typically, runners emerge approximately a month after the initial planting. At this stage, it is advisable to carefully arrange them using trellises and garden tape to promote organized growth.

Should you desire more strawberry plants, allow the runners to mature and develop buds. Conversely, if they begin to encroach on other plants or areas of the garden, you can always prune them back to maintain a controlled strawberry patch.

Growing Strawberries Vertically – Should You Do It?

Growing strawberries vertically can be an innovative approach to maximize limited garden space and yield a bountiful harvest. However, the decision to grow strawberries vertically should be a well-considered one, taking into account various factors such as space availability, climate, and the specific needs of strawberry plants.

Here are 5 reasons to grow strawberries vertically:

Reason#1 – Maximizing Limited Garden Space

Growing strawberries vertically can be an innovative approach to maximize limited garden space and yield a bountiful harvest. However, the decision to grow strawberries vertically should be a well-considered one, taking into account various factors such as space availability, climate, and the specific needs of strawberry plants.

Reason#2 – Pest and Disease Management: A Potential Advantage

One of the primary advantages of vertical strawberry gardening is its potential to protect your plants from various pests and diseases. Elevating the strawberry plants can reduce the risk of soil-borne diseases, as well as make it more challenging for ground-dwelling insects to access your crop. This vertical approach can help maintain the overall health of your strawberry plants, potentially reducing the need for chemical interventions.

Reason#3 – Improved Air Circulation: Mitigating Fungal Diseases

Furthermore, vertical gardening can improve air circulation around strawberry plants. Adequate air circulation is crucial for preventing fungal diseases like powdery mildew and botrytis. In vertical systems, the increased airflow can minimize the risk of these diseases, promoting healthier strawberry plants and higher yields.

Reason#4 – Water Management: Meeting High Water Requirements

One of the primary concerns in vertical strawberry gardening is ensuring an adequate water supply. Strawberry plants are notorious for their high water requirements, and in a vertical setup, water distribution can be less uniform. Drip irrigation or a carefully designed watering system is essential to ensure that all plants receive the moisture they need.

Reason#5 – Maintenance and Structural Support: The Need for Diligence

Moreover, vertical gardening often requires more frequent monitoring and maintenance. Plants in vertical systems may be more susceptible to drying out, and nutrients may need to be more precisely administered to ensure healthy growth. Gardeners should also be prepared to provide structural support for the vertical setup to prevent collapsing, especially when fruit-bearing plants are involved.

The Best Way to Grow Strawberries Vertically

Growing strawberries vertically is a smart way to save space and keep your strawberry plants healthy. Here are five effective methods to help you get the most out of your vertical strawberry garden:

1. Tower Gardens

Tower gardens are an excellent choice, especially if you have limited space. Here’s how to make the most of them:

Vertical Design: Tower gardens are like vertical columns with multiple pockets for planting. You can grow strawberries in several pockets, saving space.

Aeroponic System: Many tower gardens use an aeroponic system, which delivers water and nutrients directly to the plant roots. This promotes fast growth and abundant fruit production.

Balcony-Friendly: Tower gardens are perfect for balconies, patios, or small gardens, making them ideal for urban gardening.

2. Wall-Mounted Trellises

Wall-mounted trellises are a clever way to use your vertical space efficiently:

Vertical Support: Attach these trellises to walls or fences, providing sturdy support for your strawberry plants as they grow upwards.

Space Optimization: Wall-mounted trellises take advantage of unused vertical space, making them a great choice for both small and large gardens.

Improved Airflow: Elevating your strawberries off the ground with trellises enhances air circulation, reducing the risk of fungal diseases.

3. Hanging Containers

Hanging containers are a practical option if you have a balcony or limited outdoor space:

Hanging Baskets: These hanging baskets can hold multiple strawberry plants, suspending them in the air to maximize sunlight exposure.

Vertical Space Utilization: Hanging containers transform unused vertical space into a productive strawberry garden.

Portability: You can easily move hanging containers to catch the best sunlight or create an attractive display.

4. Strawberry Pouches

Strawberry pouches are a portable and versatile way to grow strawberries vertically:

Pocket Design: These pouches come with multiple pockets, each suitable for planting a strawberry plant. Hang them on walls, fences, or balcony railings.

Easy Installation: Strawberry pouches are simple to set up, making them a hassle-free choice for vertical gardening.

Well-Drained: They often have good drainage, preventing water logging and ensuring healthy strawberry growth.

5. PVC Pipe Towers

If you enjoy DIY projects and want an affordable option, consider making PVC pipe towers:

Budget-Friendly: PVC pipes are readily available and inexpensive, making them a cost-effective choice for building your own vertical strawberry garden.

Customizable: You can design and create a trellis system that suits your garden’s layout and accommodates your strawberry plants.

Ease of Assembly: Working with PVC pipes is straightforward, requiring minimal tools and skills to construct a functional trellis.

With these methods, you can successfully grow strawberries vertically, no matter the size of your garden or your gardening skills. These techniques optimize space, keep your strawberries clean, and make harvesting a breeze, all while ensuring healthy and abundant fruit production.

What Strawberry Companion Plants to Choose When They Are Grown Vertically?

When growing strawberries vertically, it is important to choose companion plants that will benefit the strawberries and not compete with them for space, water, or nutrients. Some good strawberry companion plants for vertical growing include:

Asparagus: Asparagus has a deep root system that does not compete with the shallow roots of strawberries. It also attracts pollinators, which can help to improve strawberry yields.

Bush beans: Bush beans are a good source of nitrogen, which can help to fertilize the strawberries. They also help to attract pollinators.

Borage: Borage is a flowering herb that attracts pollinators and repels pests. It can also help to improve the flavor of strawberries.

Caraway: Caraway is another flowering herb that attracts pollinators and repels pests. It can also help to improve the drainage of the soil, which is important for strawberries.

Chives: Chives are a versatile herb that can be used in a variety of dishes. They also help to repel pests, such as aphids.

Lettuce: Lettuce is a shallow-rooted plant that does not compete with the roots of strawberries. It is also a fast-growing crop, which can help to suppress weeds.

Marigolds: Marigolds are a type of flower that repels pests, such as nematodes and whiteflies. They can also help to improve the drainage of the soil.

Nasturtiums: Nasturtiums are a flowering herb that attracts pollinators and repels pests, such as aphids and squash bugs.

Onions: Onions repel pests, such as aphids and spider mites. They also help to improve the flavor of strawberries.

Spinach: Spinach is a shallow-rooted plant that does not compete with the roots of strawberries. It is also a fast-growing crop, which can help to suppress weeds.

Thyme: Thyme is a flowering herb that attracts pollinators and repels pests, such as aphids and whiteflies.

Factors To Consider When Planting Strawberry Companion Plants Vertically

Space: Make sure to leave enough space between the strawberry plants and their companion plants so that they can all grow and thrive.

Water: Strawberries need about an inch of water per week. Make sure to water the companion plants regularly as well.

Fertilizer: Strawberries need a balanced fertilizer. You can use a commercial fertilizer or make your own by mixing equal parts compost, manure, and worm castings.

Sunlight: Strawberries need full sun to produce the best yields. Make sure to plant the companion plants in a location where they will also receive full sun.

Tips For Growing Strawberry Companion Plants Vertically

1. Use a sturdy support structure, such as a trellis or fence.
2. Plant the strawberry plants in pots or containers that are large enough to accommodate their root systems.
3. Train the strawberry plants to grow up the support structure.
4. Plant the companion plants around the base of the strawberry plants.
5. Water and fertilize the strawberry plants and companion plants regularly.

What Challenges do Strawberries Face When Grown Vertically?

Strawberries face a number of challenges when grown vertically, including:

High upfront costs:

Vertical farming systems are expensive to build and maintain, and strawberry plants have a relatively long growing season. This means that growers need to invest a significant amount of money before they start seeing any returns.

Pests and diseases:

Strawberries are susceptible to a number of pests and diseases, which can be difficult to control in vertical farming systems. This is because the plants are often grown in close proximity to each other, which can create a favorable environment for pests and diseases to spread.

Nutrient management:

Strawberry plants require a specific balance of nutrients to grow and produce fruit. In vertical farming systems, it can be difficult to maintain this balance, as the plants are not growing in soil. Growers need to carefully manage the nutrient levels in the irrigation water and growing medium to ensure that the plants are getting what they need.

Pollination:

Strawberries need to be pollinated in order to produce fruit. In vertical farming systems, pollination can be a challenge, as there are often fewer insects present. Growers may need to use artificial pollination methods, such as hand pollination or the use of vibrating pollinators.

Crop handling:

Strawberry plants require regular maintenance, such as leaf removal and fruit harvesting. In vertical farming systems, this can be challenging, as the plants are often difficult to reach. Growers need to design their systems carefully to ensure that crop handling can be done efficiently.

Despite these challenges, vertical strawberry farming offers a number of potential benefits, such as:

• Year-round production: Vertical farming systems can be used to grow strawberries year-round, regardless of the climate outside. This means that growers can supply fresh strawberries to consumers all year long.
• Higher yields: Vertical farming systems can produce higher yields of strawberries than traditional farming methods. This is because the plants can be grown in stacked layers, which maximizes the use of space.
• Reduced water and fertilizer use: Vertical farming systems use less water and fertilizer than traditional farming methods. This is because the plants are grown in a controlled environment, and the nutrients can be recycled more efficiently.
• Reduced environmental impact: Vertical farming systems have a smaller environmental impact than traditional farming methods. This is because they produce fewer greenhouse gasses and require less land.

All in all, vertical strawberry farming is a promising new technology with the potential to revolutionize the way strawberries are grown and consumed. However, there are still a number of challenges that need to be addressed before vertical strawberry farming can be widely adopted.

Can You Propagate Strawberries? How to Do It Successfully

Propagating strawberries is possible in 3 ways. They are:

1. Propagation via Runners

• Look for young runners with an established root system. Opt for the younger runners, as they require less energy from the mother plant.
• Use sanitized garden scissors or clippers to cut the runner stem connecting the daughter plant to the crown. This diverts the plant’s energy away from producing more runners.
• If you notice flower buds appearing earlier than expected, pinch them off. This encourages the plant to focus on growing instead of fruit production.
• Place the runner cuttings on the soil where tiny roots are showing new growth, typically near clusters of leaves (nodes). Ensure secure contact with the soil by pinning the runners down at each flower-producing leaf cluster.
• If you prefer, you can pin runners down without cutting them. This method will result in more compact plants that share the same crown.
• Whenever possible, cover any bare roots, as plants with bare roots face greater challenges in growth.
• If you’re dealing with a high number of runners or want to protect them from pests, consider using raised beds.

2. Crown Division

• Choose a healthy plant with green leaves and a robust crown.
• Water the mother plant the night before to soften the soil. Tie visible stems of other crowns with string to secure them.
• Gently dig down to about 5-6 inches with a sanitized trowel, reaching underneath the root ball. Lift the root ball gently.
• Carefully pull away each crown from the root ball, taking care to avoid root damage.
• Remove any dead leaves and debris from each crown. Plant each crown in a small pot, bag, or garden bed. Water thoroughly.

3. Propagation from Seed

• Gently remove strawberry seeds from the fruit using a toothpick. Allow the seeds to dry.
• Sow the strawberry seeds about 1/4 inch deep in seed trays filled with sterile seed-starting gardening mix.
• Keep the mix moist, but not overly wet, while waiting for the seeds to germinate, which typically takes 2-3 weeks.
• When seedlings reach 1-2 inches in height, thin them and transplant into individual pots or garden beds.
• If transplanting to the garden, acclimate seedlings to outdoor conditions before planting them in the ground.

FAQS – Do Strawberries Grow on a Trellis?