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Planting Strawberries

Attention to details at planting time can increase the chances of success for your strawberries.

If your plants arrive by mail open the package immediately. Return moldy plants to the shipper. Plants can take fairly dry conditions without becoming damaged. If you cannot plant them immediately, wrap the plants in moist paper towels, place them in a plastic bag and store the bag in your refrigerator until it's time to plant. Plant as soon as the soil can be thoroughly worked in the spring.

Most home gardeners use the "matted row system" of planting. For this system set plants 20 to 30 inches apart in the row. Rows should be at least 42 inches apart.

Set the plant at the proper depth in the soil; just the tip of the crown should be exposed. Now, spread and set the roots vertically in the soil. Pack the soil firmly around the roots. It is essential to have all parts of the root in contact with the soil. Water plants immediately after planting.

If there is not a good rainfall, you'll need to water plants thoroughly at least twice a week.

For future reference, you may want to obtain a copy of Extension bulletin H-16, "Strawberries," which is available at your county office of the NDSU Extension Service.

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For More Information Contact your North Dakota County Extension Office of the NDSU Extension Service for additional information or see our main NDSU Web Page for publications and articles on Agriculture, Horticulture, Youth and Family, Business and Community and Food and Nutrition at  http://www.ag.ndsu.nodak.edu/