Here are some gardening tips on how to grow strawberries at home:
First, choose a sunny spot; these fresh fruits need at least 6 hours of direct sunlight daily.
Use starter fertilizer near the roots of every plant, so the essential nutrients are readily available. This formula is high in phosphorous, which plays a critical role in root development. It helps to promote the growth of strong and healthy root systems, which are necessary for the plant to absorb water and nutrients from the soil. Conversely, a phosphorus deficiency can result in smaller root systems, stunted growth, and reduced yield in crops.
Water the strawberry plants well right after planting, and keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged.
Once the plants are established, they will produce runners (long stems with small plantlets) that can be trained to root and grow into new plants. Keep these runners pinched off during the first growing season to encourage the plants to focus on producing fruit. Strawberries are rich in vitamin C and manganese and are high in antioxidants. In addition, eating strawberries may help lower inflammation and improve heart health.
Growing strawberries in a container is a brilliant idea for small spaces, and it’s a fun gardening project that’s great for kids and teaches them how to grow your own food.