Growing Strawberries Indoors: A Sweet Surprise
Are you dreaming of biting into a juicy, freshly picked strawberry, but think you don’t have the space? Think again! With the right setup, even small indoor spaces can yield a bountiful harvest of sweet strawberries. Learn how to plant, care for, and harvest strawberries in the comfort of your own home.
Choosing the Right Variety
When selecting strawberry plants, consider factors like your local climate, how you plan to use the berries, and when you want them to bear fruit. With over 100 varieties to choose from, it can be overwhelming. Consult with your local nursery staff or online guides to find the perfect variety for your needs. “Surecrop” strawberry plants are a great choice for beginners, as they’re hardy, disease-resistant, and produce large, sweet berries.
Starting from Seed or Plant
You can grow strawberries from seed, but it’s easier to start with starter plants from your local nursery or online retailers. If you do decide to grow from seed, start in the winter to give them ample time to sprout and mature.
Container Gardening
Strawberry plants thrive in containers with good drainage and a mix of high-quality potting mix and compost. Special terra cotta strawberry pots, stacking planters, hanging baskets, and window boxes are all great options. Just be sure to protect your plants from wind and pests.
Raised Bed Gardening
If you have outdoor space, consider setting up a raised bed to increase your yield and allow your strawberry plants to produce runners. Build or buy a raised bed kit, and plant strawberries 18 inches apart for varieties that produce offspring, or 6 inches apart for those that don’t.
Caring for Your Plants
Provide your strawberry plants with 8 hours of full sun, and water them according to their needs. Fertilize with an organic fertilizer made for fruit-bearing plants, and mulch outdoor plants to suppress weeds and retain moisture.
Harvesting and Enjoying
Strawberries will ripen around 30 days after their blooms are fertilized. Harvest ripe berries each morning, and store them in the refrigerator. Wash them just before using, and enjoy your delicious homegrown strawberries in shortcakes, jams, or simply as a sweet snack!
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