Who doesn’t adore fresh strawberries straight from the garden, still warm from the summer sun? Homegrown strawberries are always delicious, but growing them in raised beds can make gardening a whole lot easier. Sure, setting up raised beds takes a bit more work at the beginning, but the payoff is worth it—you’ll save a ton of effort down the line.
If you want healthy, productive strawberry plants, here are the best planting and growing tips for June-bearing, everbearing, and day-neutral varieties.
Benefits of Growing Strawberries in Raised Beds
The biggest enemy of homegrown strawberries? Poor drainage. Strawberries need excellent drainage—they simply won’t tolerate soggy soil. Waterlogged roots can spell disaster, leading to quick and ugly plant death. While growing strawberries in containers or hanging baskets is one solution, raised beds are another great option. Filling a raised bed with well-draining soil ensures better drainage by increasing the distance between the soil surface and the water table.
Plus, raised beds make gardening chores easier. The elevated soil means less bending to pull weeds or tend to plants. If your raised beds are built well, you can even sit on a short stool while working instead of squatting.
Strawberry plants in raised beds starting to flower
Best Raised Beds for Strawberries
The ideal raised beds for strawberries have wooden frames and are filled with rich, well-draining soil mixed with organic amendments. Adding organic matter improves drainage, boosts aeration, and helps the soil hold nutrients. A good mix might include wood chips, chopped bark, sawdust, composted manure, or plant-based compost—just blend everything before planting.
If building framed beds feels like too much work, you can also create unframed mounds of soil and compost. While these work just fine, rain and wind can erode them over time, making framed beds the better long-term choice.
Planting Strawberries in Raised Beds
For the best results, plant strawberries in raised beds as early in spring as possible—as soon as the soil is workable. Giving plants more time to establish means bigger, better strawberries.
How deep you plant depends on the type of starts you buy:
- Bare-root plants: Dig a hole big enough to spread the roots without bending. Position the crown midpoint level with the soil surface, and cover the topmost root to prevent exposure.
- Container plants: Plant them at the same depth as they were in the pot. Burying them too deep can cause rot. Firm the soil around the roots to eliminate air pockets.
Water thoroughly after planting, and check that the depth stays correct once the soil settles.
Best Systems for Planting Strawberries
The two most common methods are the matted row system and the annual system:
- Matted row system (perennial): Let plants send out runners to form dense rows. After spring harvest, thin the row and allow new runners to grow. This requires year-round watering, weeding, and pest control.
- Annual system (warmer climates): Plant strawberries about a foot (30 cm) apart in fall, staggering them in 2–3 rows. Harvest from February to May, then remove the plants and grow something else in summer.
Caring for Strawberries in Raised Beds
Maintenance depends on the type of strawberries you grow:
- June-Bearing Strawberries: Produce one big crop in June. They spread via runners, so give them space or trim runners as they appear.
- Everbearing Strawberries: Offer a main June crop followed by smaller harvests from late spring to early fall.
- Day-Neutral Strawberries: Fruit continuously through the season. For everbearers and day-neutrals, remove the first flower stems to help plants establish roots and leaves first.
Water new transplants frequently (twice daily at first, then twice weekly). Keep soil moist but never waterlogged. Feed lightly with liquid fertilizer every few weeks.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do strawberries grow well in raised beds?
Absolutely! Raised beds with good soil make strawberry growing a breeze, offering deep soil, proper drainage, and easy weed control.
How many strawberries should be in a raised bed?
It depends on the bed size—you can plant up to four strawberry plants per 12 square inches (30 cm square).
More Tasty Berry Projects to Try
- Want a mess-free strawberry patch? Learn how to grow hydroponic strawberries for clean, juicy harvests.
- Love low-maintenance fruit? These native berry bushes are sustainable, easy-care, and delicious.
- Craving more berries? Check out blueberries, walnuts, and other edibles in the Gardening Know How Shop.
Conclusion:
Growing strawberries in raised beds is an excellent choice for both beginner and experienced gardeners. Raised beds provide the perfect conditions for strawberry plants to thrive, offering good drainage, proper soil depth, and a manageable growing environment. By following the right planting techniques, choosing the appropriate varieties, and maintaining proper care, you can enjoy delicious homegrown strawberries all season long.
Remember to select a variety suited to your climate, ensure your raised bed is filled with nutrient-rich soil, and practice regular watering and maintenance for the best results. Happy gardening and enjoy your tasty harvest!
