Ever thought about using strawberries as a groundcover? It’s honestly a game-changer for your garden! Not only does it create a gorgeous, lush carpet that naturally chokes out weeds, but you also get the bonus of a delicious harvest right at your feet. Here’s the lowdown on which varieties work best and how to get them started.
The Best Varieties for the Job
If you want strawberries to act as a groundcover, you need plants that grow fast and thick. You’re looking for varieties that send out plenty of runners to fill in those gaps quickly. It’s a stunning sight when that green carpet fills with blossoms and bright red berries! While our native wild strawberries or alpine strawberries are classic choices, these specific varieties are absolute rockstars for groundcover:
- ‘Elan’: This one is super robust and grows like crazy. You’ll only need to worry about weeding during the first year; after that, it takes over the job itself!
- ‘Spadeka’: Another vigorous grower that produces incredibly aromatic, flavorful fruit.
- ‘Pink Panda’: If you want a “wow” factor, this is it. It creates a beautiful carpet of pink flowers and tons of tasty berries.
- ‘Florika’: These berries are packed with flavor—perfect if you’re planning on making homemade jams or preserves.
How to Plant Your Strawberry Carpet
Timing is everything! The best months to get your groundcover strawberries in the dirt are March and April, or later in the summer during July and August. Pick a spot that gets plenty of sun (though partial shade works too) with soil that is rich in nutrients and drains well. To give them a head start, mix in about three to five liters of compost or a specialized berry fertilizer.
Once you’ve prepped the soil, let it settle for at least two weeks before you start planting. Right before they go in the ground, soak the root balls in water for about 30 minutes to make sure they’re nice and hydrated. Make sure the area is weed-free, but try not to disturb the soil too deeply.
Dig small holes about twice the size of the root ball, spacing your plants about 8 to 10 inches apart. Tuck them in, press the soil down firmly around them, and give them a good soak. Happy planting!
