If you’re dreaming of a massive strawberry harvest this season, you’ve got to start with the basics of proper planting. And honestly? It all starts with picking the perfect spot in your garden. Here’s the lowdown on what your strawberry plants actually need to thrive.
The Best Spot for Your Strawberries
If strawberries had a mantra, it would be “more sun, please!” To get that signature sweet aroma and deep red color, these berries need to be kissed by the sun. Make sure you pick a warm, sunny location in your yard. A little bit of a breeze is actually a good thing—it helps the leaves dry off quickly after a dew or watering—but you don’t want them sitting in a full-on wind tunnel where they’ll get battered.
Strawberries are also a bit finicky when it comes to heavy downpours. If you can find a spot that offers a little protection from driving rain, your plants will thank you. As for the soil, you’re looking for something loose and packed with nutrients. My pro tip? Mix in a generous amount of compost and let the bed settle for about four weeks before you start planting.
One last thing to keep in mind is crop rotation. To keep the soil from getting “tired” and depleted, avoid planting strawberries in the exact same spot more than once every four years. Give the ground a break, and your future harvests will be much happier for it!
