Strawberries are a universally loved fruit that even the fussiest of greenthumbs enjoy. They are sweet, juicy red gems of goodness, and will taste even sweeter and more flavoursome when homegrown. As there is nothing more disappointing then buying an expensive punnet of strawberries from the supermarket and throwing half of them away due to damage! Strawberries are perfect for growing in small garden beds or hanging baskets if you’re short on horizontal space. They are also among the easiest and most rewarding plants for kids to grow. In this article, we share a complete guide on how to grow strawberries from seeds, so you and your kids can enjoy luscious strawberries straight from the vine.
The first step in growing strawberries is stocking up on materials and essentials, including:
Unfortunately, humans aren’t the only strawberry lovers. Birds, possums, slugs, snails and even dogs can decimate a crop of berries in no time, so consider putting wire mesh or bird netting over your plants to keep them safe.
1. Place My First Garden in full sun.
2. Prepare your garden bed with a premium potting mix.
3. Plant your strawberry seeds and/or seedlings, roughly 20cm apart.
4. Apply a 3-5cm layer of straw mulch to keep on top of their moisture requirements and prevent emerging berries from rotting. This is apparently how they got their name ‘straw’ berries.
5. Water 3-4 times a week in the first month and then cut back to once or twice a week, except in hot weather.
6. Apply seaweed concentrate once a fortnight for an extra growing boost.
7. For the fullest flavour, pick your luscious berries when the fruit ripens (i.e. they are three-quarters red)
Are strawberries good for kids?
Aside from being simply delicious, these juicy heart-shaped delights are a surprising storehouse of nutrients. They contain vitamin C, fibre, anthocyanins (antioxidants), potassium and magnesium, making them perfect for growing little bodies.
Folklore states that if you split a double strawberry in half and share it with someone else, you’ll soon fall in love. So be careful who you share your strawberries with!
When is the best time to plant strawberries?
The best time to plant strawberry seeds is in late winter or early spring, about 6-8 weeks before the last expected frost in your area. Note: strawberry seeds germinate within two to four weeks — but some strawberry varieties can take longer, so patience with your new plants is key.
What grows better — potted strawberry plants or garden-grown strawberries?
Ultimately, deciding between a potted plant and a garden-grown strawberry patch depends on available space, desired yield, climate, and the level of maintenance you’re prepared to do. Both methods offer the potential for delicious, fresh strawberries.
Should my strawberry plants have flowers?
Yes, strawberry flowers are totally normal! In fact, white and pink flowers indicate that your strawberry plant is preparing to produce fruit. Once local bees pollinate the flowers, the flowers will develop into juicy fruit!
When can I transplant my strawberry seedlings?
Once your young plants have grown their first true leaves and are big enough to handle (usually 4-6 weeks), you can transplant them into larger pots, the garden, or a raised garden bed.
How long will it take for fruit to grow?
From the time of planting, it may take about 4-6 months for seed-grown strawberry plants to produce fruit, but this can vary based on the specific variety of strawberries and growing conditions.
How do I avoid bruising ripe fruit?
Gently lift the leaves of your strawberry plant to find ripe fruit without causing damage to the actual plant. When picking strawberries, use your thumb and forefinger to support the strawberry as you twist it from the stem. Place your strawberries in a large container to stop the berries from being crushed against each other.
Is there anything else I should know about planting strawberries?
It’s important to thin out the weaker seedlings to allow the stronger ones more space to grow and produce berries. We also recommend adding a balanced fertiliser when your strawberry plant has established its first true leaves.
Once your strawberries are flourishing in your front or back garden, it’s time to harvest and enjoy them! We love using home-grown strawberries in sweet recipes, like Aunty Em’s Strawberry Tartlets — the perfect treat for an afternoon tea party.
Showcase your strawberry-growing skills with this tasty recipe!
Recipe adapted from taste.com.au.
Shortcrust pastry:
Crème patisserie:
Topping:
1. To make pastry, blend flour, butter and sugar in a food processor. Add egg yolk and 1 tablespoon of cold water. Process until smooth. Cover with cling wrap and refrigerate for 30 minutes.
2. Preheat oven to 170°C. Roll out pastry on a floured board and use it to line 15 small pastry moulds. Prick all over with a fork and refrigerate for another 30 minutes.
3. To make crème, place egg yolks, flour and 1 tablespoon of sugar in a bowl and whisk until pale. Combine milk, remaining sugar and vanilla bean in a saucepan and bring to a boil. Discard the vanilla bean and strain it into the egg mixture. Cook over low heat for 2-3 minutes until thickened, then cool.
4. Bake pastry cases for 7-10 minutes until lightly golden.
5. Fill with crème patisserie, top with strawberries, brush with a little jam and top with a mint leaf.
6. Enjoy!
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