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Meta description: Learn 12 proven tips to achieve a plentiful harvest of sweet and juicy strawberries. Practical advice for Czech gardeners – from choosing a variety to caring for the plants!
Why grow your own strawberries?
Strawberries are among the most popular fruits not only for their sweet taste but also for their high content of vitamin C, antioxidants and fiber. Growing strawberries in your own garden brings not only the joy of harvest but also the assurance that the fruits are free from chemical sprays. Whether you have a large garden, a small yard or a balcony, with our tips you can grow a plentiful crop too!
12 best tips for growing sweet strawberries
1. Choose the right variety
Choosing the right variety is the foundation of success. In Czech conditions, varieties that have proven themselves include:
- Elsanta – very sweet fruits, ideal for direct consumption
- Karmen – a hardy variety with aromatic fruits
- Ostara – everbearing strawberries with a long harvest
Each variety has different requirements, so choose according to your location and cultivation method.
2. A sunny location is essential
Strawberries need at least 6–8 hours of direct sunlight daily. The more sunlight, the higher the sugar content in the fruits. Shady spots lead to smaller and more tart yields.
3. Use raised beds or containers
Raised beds ensure better drainage and minimize the risk of fungal diseases. If you don’t have enough space, strawberries grow great in pots and hanging containers as well.
4. Prepare quality soil
Ideal soil is:
- Loose
- Rich in humus
- Slightly acidic (pH 5.5–6.5)
A mix of compost, peat and sand will ensure ideal conditions for the growth of strong plants.
5. Mulch with straw or conifer needles
Mulch helps to:
- Retain soil moisture
- Reduce weed growth
- Prevent direct contact of the fruits with the soil
Use natural materials such as straw, needles or wood chips.
6. Regularly remove runners
Runners take energy from the plant that could be devoted to fruit production. If you don’t want to propagate strawberries, cut the runners off with sharp scissors.
7. Ensure regular watering
Strawberries need regular, deep watering, especially during flowering and fruiting. Water at the roots, not on the leaves, to prevent the spread of fungal diseases.
8. Pinch off the first flowers
Remove the flowers in the first year of cultivation. The plant will thus focus more on developing its root system and will produce a richer harvest the following season.
9. Use natural fertilizers
Home remedies that work:
- Coffee grounds – increase the sugar content of the fruits
- Epsom salt – provides magnesium for better growth
- Baking soda – slightly acidifies the soil
Regular fertilizing will ensure the plants have enough nutrients.
10. Protect against birds and pests
- Bird netting
- Hanging CDs as scare devices
- Cinnamon around plants against mold and slugs
Prevention is the most effective protection of the crop.
11. Rotate the bed every 3 years
Growing strawberries in the same place for several years leads to soil depletion and a higher risk of diseases. After 2–3 years, transplant the strawberries to a new location.
12. Harvest at full ripeness
Harvest strawberries when they are completely red and easily detach from the stem. Fully ripe fruits are the sweetest and most flavorful.
Conclusion: How to grow the sweet strawberries of your dreams
Growing strawberries is not difficult if you follow a few basic rules. Choosing the right variety, a sunny location, quality soil, regular watering and protection against pests – all of this will ensure you a plentiful and tasty harvest.
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