How to grow Strawberries in Arizona Desert Zone9b

Growing strawberries in Arizona can seem daunting. This is my 5th attempt at growing strawberries and my first real success. We tried strawberries in many containers over the years with little success. This year when we started redesigning our backyard garden, strawberry growing was at the top of our list. We have picked at least a pint and a half off our plants so far and more berries are coming. Today, I share with you 10 different tips for growing strawberries in Arizona, Zone9b or the desert. One big hint: Spring is not the time to plant strawberries in AZ!
#HowToGrowStrawberriesInArizona
#GrowingStrawberriesInTheDesert
#GrowYourOwnStrawberries
#GrowingStrawberries
#GrowingStrawberriesInContainers
#GrowingStrawberriesInRaisedBed
#GrowingStrawberriesAtHome
#StrawberryGrowingTips

[@nicolekhairullah3322]

I've been looking for someone on KZbin that gardens more closely to my zone 9, in between the low and high dessert in Southern California. We get over 100s every year, so it's nice to find you! 😓 🍓Your strawberry information is so helpful, I was feeling down about not having any, I killed them all last year doing it wrong, but I feel much better and will look forward to Fall even more now. So glad I found your channel🥰🌵🌿🌱

[@corrinel9465]

I’m in 8b high desert so cal!

[@31mammaliz]

This is my second summer growing in Arizona. I kill a lot of stuff. Especially since I have to garden in containers. I think I have finally found some good places for my pots. I bought strawberries in Febuary and they finanlly just started filling out after I just about killed them. I think I am going to move them into a bigger container, maybe a baby pool. The little pools seem to be good to grow in. I have done some squash in them and they did awesome. Thanks for all the good information for our hot climate. I haven't found anyone else doing gardening in the Phoenix area on youtube after Jake moved to Canada.

[@AllPurposeMom]

When I first started gardening Jake was about the only one doing videos and they weren't relatable to me because I had a few beds not a food forest! I found everything in containers but tomato likes/needs extra water! You've got this!!

[@TheArtofSelfActivation]

Amazing there will be losses.

[@mydogisawesome100]

Desert gardener here 😊🌻 I agree with you about buying strawberries in the fall and all the other information is so helpful! Thank you!

[@AllPurposeMom]

Thank you for watching Sonja! I think the growing game in Arizona is all about knowing what can/will/grow & WHEN because "they" are always gonna be selling everything, regardless!

[@TheArtofSelfActivation]

I live in Tucson so excited about this video! Blessings!

[@jennhoff03]

Thank you so much! I'm in Houston, and am learning that so many of the things people say, like "Tomatoes like full sun!" or "Grow these in the Summer!" just... doesn't really apply here. Every year my family has put out plants in the full sun in the summer, the plants BAKE. Like they literally turn crispy. This year I did more research and have my tomatoes going in the fall (turns out several varieties won't even fruit until the temperature dips down under 80 degrees), and am growing things that SAY they want full sun... in half shade. And it's finally working! Everywhere I've seen talks about strawberries in the spring and how they'll fruit in the summer, but I was suspicious. Finding someone in a similar climate talking about strawberries is invaluable! Thank you so much. I love the system you have set up with the arches and the netting! Also I appreciate that you showed us what didn't work. So many people want to pretend their gardens are always perfect, but seeing what you did and learning from it just saves me from making the exact same mistakes. Which, in gardening, can mean success a whole year or two or three earlier! So thank you. :) Wow, that was long!

[@AllPurposeMom]

Hey Jenn, thanks so much for stopping by! You got to the root of what I always aim for, to let others learn from my fails and wins! I am so glad you have found some success beyond the "full sun" phenomenon. I actually mention this in so many videos. Fall/winter in my zone is the only time full sun is favorable in my yard.

[@jennhoff03]

@@AllPurposeMom Oh, good! :) Well I'm about to binge your videos- I'm so glad to find someone in my zone!

[@user-ry6tl7py2p]

Thanks a bunch. I'm new to gardening in AZ..up here in BHC..it's hottttt

[@judithstorck5195]

Thank you - yes that did help a lot. Will look into getting plants around mid-October 2022 and moving the bed away from direct scorching Summer Arizona Sunshine. Bless you for putting this video out. Judi

[@katepowlus7549]

This was such a good video! I'm in 9b in central CA very hot and really appreciated all your tips.

[@AllPurposeMom]

Kate, I'm so glad I could help!!

[@jenmae21]

I'm in South Central Texas, and just got a bunch of free strawberry plants. I think your tips will be relevant here, too. Thank you!

[@pattyfish]

Happy Monday...... The strawberries are looking wonderful! Have a great day. Blessings 🌻

[@AllPurposeMom]

Thanks Patty, I hope you are surrounded in blessings!!!

[@blessednabundance75]

Thanks for the tips. I purchased bare roots and tried to start the indoors, but my soil retained too much water and result was root rot. However, I have two plants in strawberry pots, I'm keeping my fingers crossed! Worm castings has been my go to fertilizer for them and they are doing very well. Thanks for the info, very helpful!

[@BrianWendt]

Thanks for sharing your journey! I think it's just as important to talk about what didn't work as what does work.

[@BrianWendt]

Also, if you're on Facebook, check out the Phoenix Backyard Gardening group... we'd love to have you.

[@AllPurposeMom]

Thanks for stopping by Brian! I always think there's a lot of learning to be had in mistakes. Thank you for the invite I will check it out sometime 👌🏼

[@brandonmonroe7050]

And theres the video I was looking for. Awesome so no on the full sun. Im in west Texas we don't put anything in full sun unless we just don't like it

[@clydeavaughn1656]

Yes genetics Play s big role

[@robinlanter4287]

Thanks. It was very good information. I got two strawberry plans from my daughter for a late Mother's Day present. The were mailed to me from a nursery in California. I live in Arizona zone 9b so I didn't have any idea how to grow them. So far they are just sitting in the kitchen window seal in their original pots.

[@AllPurposeMom]

Do you have a shade tree in your yard? Mine are loving life under this big ash tree I have...

[@Awakenthemasses2016_thetruth]

You lady are awesome! I appreciate all the information. Exactly what I needed. My plants are in bags but after watching this it makes perfect sense that they would need more space to grow. And yeah I definitely got tricked in to buying them late! Thanks again. I'll have to update you in the fall on our progress. Blessings. 😊

[@AllPurposeMom]

I am so glad it helped. Try and wait to move them in the fall or when it cools off!

[@AllPurposeMom]

Yesss do let me know how they are in the fall and other wise just keep feeding and loving them like they are making huge berries!!

[@Awakenthemasses2016_thetruth]

All Purpose Mom I wanted to ask you about growing some greens in AZ. I did order some Malabar spinach seeds and also new Zealand spinch, which I've been told to we'll in the heat but I was wondering about kale and chard? I see from your garden tour yours are established and probably planted before the heat took hold. I have space in a pool raised bed that I have under a shade cloth ( it's actually a a light quilt I had around the house that is working wonderfully as a shade cloth lol) and wanted to add some greens if I could. Too late? Worth a try? As always I appreciate all of your insight and advice. Thank you.

[@AllPurposeMom]

@@Awakenthemasses2016_thetruth I would try it!! Kale and Chard are quite resilient they will just need water in the am and the PM! I have had chard go through the summer in full sun!

[@Awakenthemasses2016_thetruth]

All Purpose Mom Thank you! I'm going to go for it. We love kale in our house so I try to plant it always but as I said before I got a late start this year. I'm going to direct sow them this week and pray they come up. I haven't been having a lot of luck with the seeds in pods under the grow light so I'm just going to scatter seeds and hope for the best. I'm so blessed I found you!

[@monique.110]

Thanks for your info! I’m not in Arizona... located near Reno NV. Zone 7a. I’m constantly worried about the cold snaps and then the scorching heat!

[@AllPurposeMom]

I feel you, if not one thing it's the other!

[@kfx0889]

Thank you, i know this video is old but i been trying to grow strawberries since 2016 here in az, zone 8b. I have real rocky clay dirt, and to make it worse, i have well water that’s extremely hard, ruins everything it touches. Decided to plant in a pot, just two strawberries since i cant even get weeds to grow lol. So far so good, i made a little wire cage with shade cloth on top, leaf cutter bees got my jalapeño, and started on my strawberries. i always wondered if full sun was crap in az

[@AllPurposeMom]

I've learned now to move them to mostly shade when the average temps are mid 90s. Now mine are under a fig tree and primarily get morning sun.

[@kfx0889]

@@AllPurposeMom i have mine in a green house frame covered in shade cloth, along with my cage i put on it with more shade cloth, its leaves like crazy but no flower stalks

[@Brilliantskye]

Hi, great info! I did just buy now in March! Wish I watched this sooner. So is the idea to pluck all of the the buds and flowers and maybe get some fruit in the fall?

[@AllPurposeMom]

Yes, ideally but have fun with it, if you bought more than one plant then pick one to be your long hauler. Or pick the first two sets of flowers then let it bloom. The idea is to have a strong established plant not a semi-immature plant trying to have babies. At least 4 of these plants survived and they should be boss producers 🍓🍓🍓

[@abbylopez731]

More great tips! BTW, I have baby lizards in my compost.... 🤷🏻‍♀️

[@AllPurposeMom]

I see them run when ever I open my lid. I guess the holes are big enough for them to crawl in but as it gets hotter I think they will seek other spots who knows...

[@AllPurposeMom]

& thank you my friend!!

[@babyautumn16]

I’m glad I found this video today sounds like I’ve got the perfect timing to start my strawberry box . Where do you recommend I go to buy strawberries during October/November I’m willing to travel. I’m in Phoenix. Looking to fill 2 boxes with 4 plants each. (Got a big family)

[@AllPurposeMom]

I love Summerwinds there's one in north Phoenix. I would Google nursery near me. I would call around before I start driving too!! Last resort Home Depot or other big box.

[@ragegage1221]

Arizona gardener here. I've come to terms with that us arizonians are 3 months lag going into falls, and we are ahead 3 months going into summer

[@OfftoShambala]

How do you keep them alive all summer? Just keep shaded and water as needed? Assume you fertilize over summer? Do they stay green all year? So they die back in winter or stay green in winter too?

[@njcarizona]

Very informative! It would be easier if you come to Chandler and set up a raised bed for me 😁

[@AllPurposeMom]

Ha ha will you be joining me to plant out my garden?!?

[@njcarizona]

@@AllPurposeMom love to. I still have that Illinois farm girl in me and I need to get my hands dirty.

[@cvilla5668]

Hi from Tucson

[@AllPurposeMom]

Heeeey Cindy!!! How does your garden grow?!?!

[@cvilla5668]

@@AllPurposeMom It is growing really great this year!!

[@AllPurposeMom]

@@cvilla5668 I am so happy to hear that! I am going to try so hard to weigh things as we harvest to get some idea of how much we bring in. Either way I'll just keep growing!!😉

[@cvilla5668]

@@AllPurposeMom that's a great plan!!!!

[@thnkr0917]

So, since strawberry plants will be hard or harder to find in the fall, couldn't I just buy the everbearing ones now, knowing that the first summer they are going to be struggling and I will need to shade and water them and baby them through the entire first summer, but they will pick up in the fall? I'm planning on putting them in some sort of container with self wicking at the bottom. I may try one of the galvanized steel feeding troughs that I can add the self wicking to the bottom of. I find those DIY self wicking things really work for keeping stuff watered here in AZ, as well as keeping the plant container cool. I have one strawberry plant that is doing well in a, not huge, clay planter on the east facing side of my house where it gets that morning sun and afternoon shade, but I really want more than one strawberry plant, since this one might give me just a couple strawberries and that's it. I don't have that much room left on the east facing side of the house (but I will make some room), because, well, almost everything I grow hates that full on AZ mid day sun, LOL! I need to find more stuff that will grow, with a bit of shade cloth, on the west facing side of the house or the south even! :)

[@AllPurposeMom]

Sounds like a plan that could work!! They aren't hard to find in the fall, I just waited to the last minute to buy in this season.

[@daniellejeanette]

New to gardening & in the same zone. It's Nov 2nd and I want to plant Strawberries but having trouble finding plants. Recommendations? Tia!

[@AllPurposeMom]

Call summerwinds nursery near you.

[@eliaazcarate9918]

Where do you buy strawberries in the fall, here in the valley?

[@AllPurposeMom]

Summerwinds, they have locations all over the valley. I would be looking in October to mid November. Past mid November I couldnt find any. Definitely get some everbearing Albion they are soooo sweet!!

[@eliaazcarate9918]

@@AllPurposeMom thanks!

[@pizzacheez7]

Important notes I've taken is Make the hoops to drape plastic over, allow morning sun but don't let afternoon sun, and don't let fruit first year. If anybody has any other pointers please let me know

[@AllPurposeMom]

Think about first year as a season so if you plant in the fall and they make strawberries in the fall then cut those off and eat the ones it makes in the spring.

[@pizzacheez7]

Ok so if if it bears fruit the first year cut it off before it develops and fruit of the second year and on are ok to eat i plan to plant either early or mid summer then again in fall

[@AllPurposeMom]

@@pizzacheez7 where are you located?

[@pizzacheez7]

@@AllPurposeMom if you know Arizona im around central Phoenix

[@AllPurposeMom]

@@pizzacheez7 ok cool I was giving you Arizona advice and then I was like wait what if they dont live here...

[@baileykids9017]

Can you tell me about summer heat and strawberries? I had about four plants and this summer totally killed them. How do you keep them alive in high heat?

[@AllPurposeMom]

Complete and total shade. I lost one bag that had several plants before I moved them under the canopy of my fig tree, they barely get morning sun and the Temperature under the tree is a bit cooler than the rest of the yard.

[@melissadougherty7662]

Lots of info. My strawberries are in the shade in the afternoon. But for 3 yrs no fruit. I will test for PH levels. I have nice leaves and alot of runners. Do I need to thin the strawberries, they look a little crowded?

[@AllPurposeMom]

Instead of thinning I would focus on moving new runners out!

[@melissadougherty7662]

@@AllPurposeMom So just remove runners and make another bed. Sounds like a plan

[@AllPurposeMom]

@@melissadougherty7662 yes, now is major runner making time. You can get a cheap soil test at Summerwinds Nursery. We added cow manure to this bed and a lot of peat moss and its topped with Compost.