Taking care of your plants

OVERVIEW

A low-growing perennial producing sweet, juicy berries in early to mid-summer. Grow in full sun, water well during flowering and fruiting, and mulch to keep fruit clean. Strawberries are perfect eaten fresh, added to desserts, blended into smoothies, or made into jam.

• Vegetable type: Strawberry
• Key characteristic: Sweet, juicy berries perfect for desserts and fresh eating.
• Hardiness: Fully hardy (suitable for most UK gardens).

PLANTING ADVICE

Plant in fertile, well-drained soil in full sun. Suitable for beds, raised beds or containers.

• Outdoor cultivation

Suitable for outdoor cultivation in full sun or light shade depending on variety.

• Greenhouse cultivation

Can be grown under cover for earlier crops, though typically grown outdoors.

CARE & HARVEST

Mulch with straw to keep fruit clean.

• Watering: Water well during flowering and fruiting. Container-grown plants will need more frequent watering in warm weather.
• Feeding: Feed with a high-potash fertiliser in spring and again after the first flush of fruit.
• Cutting and prunning: Remove any damaged or diseased growth as needed.
• Harvesting: Harvest when fruits are fully coloured and come away easily with a gentle pull. Harvest little and often for best flavour. Mulch annually to retain moisture and suppress weeds. Prune after fruiting or in winter depending on the variety. Protect ripening fruit from birds with netting.
• Pest and diseases: Protect fruit from slugs and birds using netting or barriers.

VERVE RECOMMENDS

• Replace plants every 3–4 years to maintain strong yields.