Growing strawberries seems simple enough—pop them in the ground, water them, and wait for sweet fruit, right?
Not quite.
Even experienced gardeners can fall into common traps that prevent their strawberry patches from thriving. (I still haven’t nailed it, but I have learned a few things.)
Let’s talk about the most common mistakes and how to avoid them.
1. Planting Too Deep
One of the most frequent mistakes is burying strawberry plants too deep.
The crown (where the stems meet the roots) should sit right at soil level. Plant too deep, and the crown will rot. Too shallow, and the roots will dry out.
When planting, make sure you can see the base of the stems just above the soil surface.
2. Ignoring Soil Preparation
Strawberries need well-draining, nutrient-rich soil to produce sweet fruit. Many gardeners skip proper soil preparation and plant directly into poor soil.
Before planting, work in plenty of organic matter and ensure good drainage.
Test your soil pH. Strawberries prefer slightly acidic soil between 5.5 and 6.8.
GET DONE-FOR-YOU GARDEN PLANS!
Does garden planning feel confusing? Remove the guesswork!
Includes 10 themed garden blueprints—complete with beneficial pairings, proper spacing & more!
3. Overcrowding Plants
Yes, strawberry plants multiply quickly, but letting them crowd each other leads to problems. Poor air circulation increases disease risk, while competition for nutrients results in smaller fruit.
Space plants 12-18 inches apart and remove runners regularly unless you’re purposely propagating new plants.
Better yet, plant them vertically using a DIY strawberry tower like this one.
4. Using Old Plants
After 3-4 years, strawberry plants produce less fruit and become more susceptible to disease.
Many gardeners keep the same plants too long, watching yields decrease each year.
Replace your strawberry plants every few years, and always start with disease-free stock from reputable sources.
5. Improper Watering
Both overwatering and underwatering can ruin your strawberry harvest. Consistent moisture is key—not too wet, not too dry.
Water deeply rather than frequently, and use mulch to retain moisture. Avoid getting the leaves wet, which can lead to fungal diseases.
6. Neglecting Winter Protection
In cold climates, winter damage can kill strawberry plants or severely reduce next year’s crop.
Many gardeners skip winter protection, assuming their plants are hardy enough.
Once temperatures drop below 20°F (-6°C), cover plants with straw or other suitable mulch to protect the crowns.
7. Poor Weed Control
Strawberry plants can’t compete well with weeds, which steal nutrients and water.
Letting weeds take over is a common mistake that reduces yield and fruit quality.
Mulch well and pull weeds regularly, being careful not to disturb the shallow strawberry roots.
If you want to grow vertically in containers to avoid the weeds, check out these creative strawberry planter ideas.
Remember, strawberries are perennial plants that can produce for several years when properly cared for. Avoiding these common mistakes will help ensure a bountiful harvest of sweet, juicy berries season after season.
