Soil requirements
- Drainage is non-negotiable. Soggy crowns rot.
- Do not bury the crown. Do not leave roots in the air.
Watering
- Shallow roots in a raised bed dry fast. Mulch with straw to keep fruit off wet soil.
- Reduce splash to cut rot.
Sunlight
Full sun. Shade makes pretty plants and thin fruit.
Planting
- June-bearing types make a big crop once a year and send more runners.
- Everbearing / day-neutral types spread harvest through the season and usually want runners removed.
- Many gardeners pinch flowers the first weeks after planting so roots establish. Follow your plant source if it says otherwise.
Spacing
- 12–18 inches in the bed. Leave a path or a runner strip so you are not stepping on crowns.
Common problems
Birds and slugs
Netting and keeping fruit on straw mulch, not soil, are the practical defenses.
Gray mold
Airflow, dry foliage, and prompt harvest. Do not crowd.
Helpful tools
- Straw mulch
- Netting if birds are bad
Product links will be added when independently researched. See the garden tools hub for buying criteria.
Frequently asked questions
How long will a strawberry bed last?
Production often drops after 3–4 years. Plan to renovate or replant rather than treating the bed as permanent.