Everbearing strawberries are a fantastic choice for gardeners who want a steady supply of fresh, juicy berries throughout the growing season. Unlike June-bearing varieties, which produce one large harvest, everbearing strawberries produce multiple smaller harvests from spring to fall. These berries are perfect for small gardens, containers, and raised beds, making them accessible to almost anyone who wants to enjoy homegrown strawberries.
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know about growing everbearing strawberries in your backyard garden, from choosing the right variety to harvesting sweet, delicious berries all season long.
Why Choose Everbearing Strawberries?
Everbearing strawberries offer many advantages for home gardeners:
- Multiple Harvests – Enjoy fresh strawberries throughout the growing season, typically in early summer and then again in late summer to fall.
- Compact Size – These plants don’t send out as many runners as June-bearing varieties, making them ideal for container gardening and raised beds.
- Easy Maintenance – Everbearing strawberries require less space and are relatively easy to care for, even for beginners.
Best Everbearing Strawberry Varieties
There are several excellent everbearing strawberry varieties to choose from, including:
- ‘Ozark Beauty’ – Known for its high yield and sweet, juicy flavor.
- ‘Quinault’ – A favorite for its large, soft berries and disease resistance.
- ‘Albion’ – Offers firm, sweet berries with high resistance to common strawberry diseases.
- ‘Seascape’ – A modern variety that produces large, flavorful berries with good disease tolerance.
Choose a variety suited to your climate and growing conditions for the best results.
Planting Everbearing Strawberries
1. Choose the Right Location
Strawberries need at least 6-8 hours of direct sunlight per day. A well-draining site with slightly acidic soil (pH 5.5–6.5) is ideal. Raised beds or containers work well if you have limited space.
2. Prepare the Soil
Strawberries thrive in nutrient-rich, loamy soil. Prepare your soil by:
- Removing weeds and debris.
- Mixing in compost or well-rotted manure for added nutrients.
- Ensuring good drainage to prevent root rot.
3. Space Your Plants Correctly
- In-Ground Gardens – Space plants 12 inches apart in rows 18–24 inches apart.
- Containers – Use a container that is at least 12 inches deep, and space plants about 6-8 inches apart.
- Hanging Baskets – A great option for saving space while still getting a good harvest.
4. Planting Depth
Plant strawberries so that the crown (where the leaves meet the roots) is at soil level. If planted too deep, the crown may rot; too shallow, and the roots may dry out.
Caring for Everbearing Strawberries
1. Watering
Strawberries need consistent moisture to produce sweet, juicy fruit. Water deeply 2–3 times per week, especially during dry periods. Avoid overhead watering to prevent fungal diseases.
2. Mulching
Mulch helps retain moisture, suppress weeds, and keep fruit clean. Use:
- Straw or pine needles (traditional choices for strawberry beds)
- Wood chips or shredded leaves
- Black plastic mulch to warm the soil and boost early-season growth
3. Fertilizing
Everbearing strawberries benefit from balanced fertilizer throughout the season. Apply:
- A slow-release organic fertilizer in early spring.
- A nitrogen-rich feed after the first harvest to support continued growth.
- A phosphorus-rich feed before the second fruiting period.
4. Pruning and Runner Management
Unlike June-bearing varieties, everbearing strawberries produce fewer runners. However, removing excess runners helps redirect energy into fruit production. Trim runners as they appear to keep plants productive.
5. Protecting from Pests and Diseases
Common strawberry pests include:
- Slugs and Snails – Use crushed eggshells or diatomaceous earth around plants.
- Aphids and Mites – Spray with insecticidal soap or introduce beneficial insects like ladybugs.
- Birds and Rodents – Cover plants with netting to prevent them from eating your fruit.
To avoid diseases, rotate crops every 3-4 years, avoid overhead watering, and remove dead leaves regularly.
Harvesting Everbearing Strawberries
Everbearing strawberries start producing fruit in early summer and continue until fall. Harvest berries when they are fully red for the best flavor. Pick strawberries every few days to encourage continuous production.
To harvest:
- Gently twist the berry off the stem or cut it with scissors.
- Handle berries carefully to prevent bruising.
- Store unwashed berries in the refrigerator for up to 5 days, or freeze them for long-term storage.
Overwintering Everbearing Strawberries
In colder climates, strawberries need winter protection:
- Apply mulch (straw, pine needles, or leaves) around the base of plants after the first frost.
- If growing in containers, move them to an unheated garage or greenhouse.
- Remove mulch in early spring when new growth appears.
Growing Everbearing Strawberries in Containers
Container gardening is an excellent option for those with limited space. Follow these steps for success:
- Choose a pot at least 12 inches deep with drainage holes.
- Use high-quality potting soil with added compost.
- Water more frequently than garden-planted strawberries, as containers dry out faster.
- Fertilize every 4-6 weeks with a balanced organic fertilizer.
- Place in a sunny spot for optimal fruit production.
Conclusion
Growing everbearing strawberries in your backyard garden is rewarding and relatively easy. With proper care, you can enjoy delicious, homegrown strawberries from spring to fall. Whether you plant them in garden beds, raised beds, or containers, these versatile plants provide a continuous harvest of sweet, juicy berries.
🌱 Have you grown everbearing strawberries before? Share your experience and tips in the comments! 🍓⬇️
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