What are common mistakes when growing strawberries?
Written by
Paul Reynolds
Reviewed by
Prof. Martin Thorne, Ph.D.Although growing strawberries appears to be simple, common mistakes often deter even experienced gardeners. I remember when I lost half of my crop to root rot because of compacted clay soil in a garden where I (mistakenly) filled in existing soil while doing amendments to the soil. New gardeners often don't want to change spacing, overfertilize, or forget to check for pests. Here is an overview of how to address the common mistakes that every gardener can avoid.
Overwatering Issues
- Symptom: Yellow leaves with mushy roots
- Fix: Water 1 inch weekly using drip lines
- Pro Tip: Use a soil moisture meter to prevent guesswork
Poor Soil Prep
- Symptom: Stunted growth, small fruit
- Fix: Test pH (ideal 5.5-6.8), mix compost
- Pro Tip: Add perlite to clay soils for drainage
Unmanaged sunlight leads to underdeveloped plants. I discovered this after my shady patch produced sour berries. Strawberries require 6+ hours of direct sunlight, and less will diminish their sugar content. Moreover, overpopulating a patch supports pests; my first aphid infestation came from plants spaced 8 inches apart.
Organic Methods
- Neem oil sprays deter aphids
- Beer traps eliminate slugs
- Ladybugs eat 50+ mites daily
Chemical Options
- Spinosad for severe infestations
- Carbaryl risks pollinators
- Use only as last resort
Mistakes in pruning can spread disease. Disinfecting shears with rubbing alcohol in between plants will help prevent the spread of disease - I own a spray bottle that I fill with vodka. Using straw mulch prevents soil from splashing onto the fruit. I learned from a neighbor's moldy harvest that mulch should be replaced every year.
Read the full article: How to Grow Strawberries: A Complete Step-by-Step Guide
