What location maximizes strawberry production?
Written by
Paul Reynolds
Reviewed by
Prof. Martin Thorne, Ph.D.My harvests changed dramatically after I made a good decision about the best place for strawberries. I had one bed poorly located next to some black walnut trees, and I often harvested bitter berries. Now, I plant strawberries in full sun and rotate my plots. Strawberries are very picky about where they grow, but just a few details can lead to better harvests.
Sunlight Requirements
- 6-10 hours daily: Morning sun reduces fungal risks
- Avoid afternoon shade: Lowers sugar content
- Urban tip: Use reflective mulch to boost light
Slope & Drainage
- 5-10% incline: Prevents frost pooling
- Raised beds: Ideal for flat terrain
- Gravel layer: 4" depth under clay soils
pH Management
- Test annually: Use $15 home kit
- Adjust with sulfur: 1 lb/100 sq ft lowers pH by 0.5
- Danger zone: Below 5.2 causes aluminum toxicity
Crop Rotation
- Avoid: Tomatoes/potatoes for 4 years
- Plant after: Beans or onions
- Cover crops: Mustard greens reduce verticillium
Microclimates are often more significant than the zone map itself. For instance, my north-facing slope was unsuccessful until I added black landscape fabric to trap heat. If you're by the coast, borrowed from my experience, don't worry too much about zone maps, but try to implement windbreaks - I use 4-foot snow fences to protect blooms from salt spray while allowing air to flow through.
Read the full article: How to Grow Strawberries: A Complete Step-by-Step Guide
