In This Article Show
Strawberries are one of the best fruits to grow at home. They’re sweet, juicy, and fun to pick—but getting big, tasty berries isn’t always easy.
If your strawberries have been small, sour, or just not producing much, you’re not alone. Many home gardeners face the same struggle.
The good news? A few simple changes can make a big difference. In this post, you’ll learn six easy secrets to growing bigger, better strawberries—whether you’re planting in the ground, raised beds, or containers.
Dreaming of growing Sweet, Juicy Strawberries in your Garden?
You’re not alone. Growing strawberries can seem tricky, leaving many gardeners disappointed with poor harvests year after year—our new 30+ page book is what you need from start to finish.
1. Choose the Right Strawberry Variety
Not all strawberries grow the same. Some types give you bigger berries, while others focus more on how often they produce.
June-bearing strawberries give one big crop each year and usually produce the largest berries.
Everbearing types give two smaller crops—one in early summer and another in late summer.
Day-neutral strawberries produce smaller amounts all season long.
Expert’s Tip
If you want the biggest, juiciest strawberries, go with June-bearing. Just make sure they match your growing zone and garden space.
Dreaming of growing Sweet, Juicy Strawberries in your Garden?
You’re not alone. Growing strawberries can seem tricky, leaving many gardeners disappointed with poor harvests year after year—our new 30+ page book is what you need from start to finish.
2. Give Them Full Sun and Good Drainage
Strawberries love the sun. To grow well and make sweet fruit, they need at least 6 to 8 hours of full sun every day.
They also hate wet feet. Soggy soil can cause root rot, and plants will not grow well.
Expert’s Tip
Use raised beds or containers with drainage holes. Avoid low spots in your yard where water might sit after rain.
Dreaming of growing Sweet, Juicy Strawberries in your Garden?
You’re not alone. Growing strawberries can seem tricky, leaving many gardeners disappointed with poor harvests year after year—our new 30+ page book is what you need from start to finish.
3. Start with Rich, Well-Prepared Soil
Strawberries need nutrient-rich, loose soil to grow strong roots and produce big, sweet berries. If your soil is hard or lacking nutrients, your plants will struggle.
Before planting, mix in compost to improve the texture and boost nutrients. Strawberries grow best in slightly acidic soil with a pH between 6.0 and 6.5.
Expert’s Tip
Add aged manure or an organic fertilizer a few weeks before planting. This gives the soil time to absorb the nutrients and helps your strawberries settle in better.
Dreaming of growing Sweet, Juicy Strawberries in your Garden?
You’re not alone. Growing strawberries can seem tricky, leaving many gardeners disappointed with poor harvests year after year—our new 30+ page book is what you need from start to finish.
4. Mulch to Keep Roots Cool and Berries Clean
Mulching is a must when growing strawberries. It helps keep the soil moist, stops weeds from taking over, and protects your berries from sitting in dirt or mud.
Use straw, pine needles, or shredded leaves around the base of your plants. This keeps the fruit clean and helps stop the rot from forming during wet weather.
Expert’s Tip
Reapply mulch as needed, especially after heavy rain or when it starts to break down.
5. Pinch Runners and Flowers Early On
When strawberry plants are young, they send out runners (baby plants) and flowers. It might be tempting to let them grow right away, but this can weaken the main plant.
During the first year, remove flowers and runners to help the plant put energy into growing strong roots. You’ll get better, bigger fruit in the next season.
Dreaming of growing Sweet, Juicy Strawberries in your Garden?
You’re not alone. Growing strawberries can seem tricky, leaving many gardeners disappointed with poor harvests year after year—our new 30+ page book is what you need from start to finish.
Expert’s Tip
In year two and beyond, let the plant flower and fruit fully—but still pinch off extra runners to keep plants focused on berry production.
6. Water Consistently, Especially During Fruiting
Strawberries need even moisture, especially when they start producing fruit. Dry spells can cause small, cracked berries, while too much water can lead to rot.
Keep the soil damp but not soaked. A steady watering routine is key.
Expert’s Tip
Use a soaker hose or water at the base of the plant. Avoid getting the leaves and fruit wet to help prevent mold and disease.
Conclusion
If you’ve struggled with small or sour strawberries in the past, these six secrets can help turn things around.
Let’s recap:
- Choose the right strawberry variety
- Give them full sun and good drainage
- Start with rich, well-prepared soil
- Mulch to keep roots cool and berries clean
- Pinch runners and flowers early on
- Water consistently, especially during fruiting
Try these tips in your garden this season and enjoy bigger, better berries.
Dreaming of growing Sweet, Juicy Strawberries in your Garden?
You’re not alone. Growing strawberries can seem tricky, leaving many gardeners disappointed with poor harvests year after year—our new 30+ page book is what you need from start to finish.
