Growing strawberries from plugs is a convenient and efficient way to start your strawberry garden. The plugs are already rooted and actively growing, which gives them a head start compared to bare root strawberries. Here’s a detailed guide on how to grow strawberries from plugs:
1. Choosing the right plugs: Look for healthy strawberry plugs with vibrant green leaves and well-established roots. Ensure that they are disease-free and free from any signs of stress or damage.
2. Site selection: Select a sunny location in your garden that receives at least 6-8 hours of direct sunlight daily. The soil should be well-draining and fertile, with a pH between 5.5 and 6.8. If your soil is heavy or clayey, consider amending it with organic matter like compost or well-rotted manure.
3. Preparing the soil: Before planting the strawberry plugs, prepare the soil by removing any weeds, rocks, or debris. Loosen the soil to a depth of 8-10 inches using a garden fork or tiller. Incorporate organic matter like compost into the soil to improve its fertility and drainage.
4. Planting the plugs: Dig holes in the prepared soil that are wide enough to accommodate the roots of the plugs without bending or crowding them. Gently place the plugs in the holes, ensuring that the crown (the area where the leaves meet the roots) is level with the soil surface. Space the plugs about 12-18 inches apart, allowing enough room for the plants to spread and grow.
5. Watering: After planting, thoroughly water the plugs to settle the soil around the roots and eliminate any air pockets. Keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged throughout the growing season. Regular watering is particularly important during dry spells or hot summer months.
6. Mulching: Apply a layer of organic mulch, such as straw or wood chips, around the strawberry plants. Mulching helps to conserve moisture, suppress weed growth, and regulate soil temperature. It also prevents the strawberries from coming into direct contact with the soil, reducing the risk of rot or disease.
7. Fertilizing: Strawberries are heavy feeders and benefit from regular fertilization. Apply a balanced organic fertilizer or a slow-release granular fertilizer according to the package instructions. Avoid over-fertilizing, as it can lead to excessive foliage growth at the expense of fruit production.
8. Pruning and maintenance: Remove any runners or daughter plants that emerge from the main strawberry plants. These runners divert energy away from fruit production, so it’s best to keep the plants focused on producing larger and tastier strawberries. Prune off any dead or diseased leaves to maintain plant health and vigor.
9. Pest and disease management: Monitor your strawberry plants regularly for signs of pests, such as aphids, slugs, or snails. Remove and destroy any infested or damaged plants to prevent the spread of pests. To manage common strawberry diseases like powdery mildew or gray mold, ensure good air circulation around the plants, avoid overhead watering, and promptly remove any infected leaves or fruits.
10. Harvesting: Depending on the variety, your strawberry plants will start producing fruit within a few weeks to a couple of months. Harvest the ripe strawberries by gently twisting or cutting them from the stems. Enjoy the fresh, juicy strawberries right away or use them in various culinary delights like jams, pies, or smoothies.
Remember, growing strawberries from plugs requires regular care and attention. By providing optimal growing conditions, proper watering, fertilization, and pest management, you can enjoy a bountiful harvest of delicious homegrown strawberries. Happy gardening!
