Strawberry Plants

Strawberry plants FAQs

From buying strawberry plants to growing them and maximising your crop, get the answers to your questions here. Need more help? Contact our Customer Service Team six days a week or check our general FAQs for advice on all things Marshalls Garden.

How do I plant strawberry plants?

Planting strawberry plants is simple and highly rewarding. Pick a sunny location with well-draining soil enriched with compost or organic matter. Space the plants about 30-45cm apart, with rows 75cm apart, to allow for proper airflow. Dig a small hole, ensuring
the crown (where leaves meet roots) sits level with the soil surface to prevent rot. Gently firm the soil around the plant and water thoroughly. Adding a layer of mulch, such as straw, helps retain moisture, suppress weeds and keep the fruit clean as it grows.

When should I plant strawberry plants in the UK?

The best time to plant strawberries, and maximise your chance of a good crop, depends on the type you've chosen. Bare-root plants are ideal for autumn planting, typically from late September to early November, giving them time to establish before winter. Potted
strawberries can be planted in spring once the risk of frost has passed.

How do I plant strawberry plants in containers and from runners?

Strawberry plants thrive in containers, making them perfect for small gardens or patios. Choose a good-sized container that's as wide as it is deep. Fill it with a quality potting mix and plant the strawberry plant at the same depth as its nursery pot.

Runners are best planted in autumn, as the cold spell before winter helps kickstart the growth of flowers and fruit. You'll need to bury the long roots and space your runners apart by 30-45cm before firming down the soil. They'll need plenty of water in the early weeks, too.

How do I grow and look after strawberry plants?

Caring for strawberry plants is straightforward. Water regularly to keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged, especially during fruiting. Feed with a potassium-rich fertiliser, like a tomato feed, every two weeks during the growing season. Remove weeds and dead leaves to maintain plant health and use netting to protect the fruit from birds. At the end of the season, cut back old foliage and apply a layer of mulch to insulate the roots over winter.

How long does it take a strawberry plant to grow?

Strawberry plants typically take 4-6 weeks to produce fruit once flowers have formed, depending on the variety and growing conditions. Plants established in the autumn may
produce a small crop the following spring, but they will yield their best harvest in their second year. With the right care, your strawberries will grow quickly, rewarding you with sweet, juicy fruit.

Are strawberry plants perennial?

Yes, strawberry plants are perennial, meaning they can regrow the next year with the right care. They have a productive lifespan of about three years, with the best fruiting occurring in the second and third years. After this, yields may decline, so it's a good idea to propagate new plants from runners to keep your strawberry patch thriving. Proper care, such as trimming and feeding, can help extend their productivity.

Why buy Soft Fruit Plants from Marshalls Garden?

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