Strawberries are a favorite fruit for home gardens and can produce delicious harvests for several years when planted and maintained properly. There are two main types of strawberries commonly grown in home gardens: day-neutral (everbearing) and June-bearing varieties. Understanding the differences between these types helps gardeners choose the best plants for their growing goals.
Day-Neutral / Everbearing Strawberries
Day-neutral or everbearing strawberries produce fruit throughout the growing season. Harvest peaks typically occur in June, mid-summer (if temperatures are not too hot), and again from mid-August until frost.
These berries are typically smaller but very sweet. Day-neutral plants also produce fewer runners compared to June-bearing varieties.
Planting guidelines:
• Space plants 5–10 inches apart
• Keep rows 24–30 inches wide
• Remove buds until July during the first year to allow the root system to establish properly
June-Bearing Strawberries
June-bearing strawberries produce their fruit all at once during the early summer harvest period. Because they produce large quantities at one time, they are ideal for making jams, jellies, and freezing.
These plants produce long runners that develop daughter plants, which allows the patch to expand naturally over time.
There are early, mid, and late season varieties, all producing berries in June but with slightly staggered harvest windows.
Planting guidelines:
• Space plants 18–24 inches apart
• Keep rows 36 inches wide to allow runners room to spread
• Remove flower buds during the first year so plants can establish strong root systems
June-bearing varieties are commonly grown by commercial growers and are often the strawberries found at roadside produce stands.
Planting Strawberries
Strawberries perform best in loamy, sandy, well-draining soil rich in organic matter.
When planting:
• Position the plant so the crown sits just above the soil line
• Plant in rows or staggered patterns
• If planting in a small raised bed, keep the bed no wider than four feet so berries can be easily reached for harvesting
Strawberries require full sun and should receive approximately one inch of water per week, either through rainfall or irrigation.
Fertilizing Strawberry Plants
Fertilize strawberry plants about two weeks after planting using a side dressing of 10-10-10 fertilizer.
Day-neutral varieties may produce a small harvest during the first year, while June-bearing plants typically do not produce fruit until their second growing season.
Seasonal Maintenance
Once June-bearing strawberries finish producing, cut plants back to about two inches tall. After trimming, apply a balanced garden fertilizer that includes micronutrients.
Straw mulch should be applied in fall to protect plants from winter heaving. In spring, remove the mulch and reapply if necessary to protect against late frost.
Day-neutral varieties should be pruned similarly once they finish producing fruit.
Maintaining a Healthy Strawberry Patch
Strawberry beds should be rejuvenated approximately every four years. This can be done by removing older, weaker plants and introducing new ones to keep the patch productive.
Popular Strawberry Varieties
Day-Neutral / Everbearing Varieties
• Ever Sweet
• Ozark
• Sparkle
• Quinault
• Seascape
• Albion
June-Bearing Varieties
• Earliglow
• Honeoye
• Surecrop
• Allstar
• Chandler
Growing Success Starts with Preparation
Healthy fruit and vegetable plants begin with healthy soil. Compost, balanced fertilizers such as 10-10-10, proper spacing, and consistent watering practices make all the difference. The Mill carries seeds, vegetable plants, soil amendments, fertilizers, and garden supplies to support every stage of the growing process.
From early spring planting to summer harvests, strawberries can provide years of productive fruit when properly maintained.
For more expert gardening advice, visit your local Mill location or explore additional gardening resources at themillstores.com.
