How to Plant and Care for Strawberries + The BEST Tasting Variety!

Learn how to plant and care for strawberries- from their preferred soil to tips on fertilizer (including which common advice to avoid) to proper planting depth. Plus- discover the best tasting strawberry variety around!
Charlotte strawberry plants: www.gurneys.com/product/charl...
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Some tips on the planting and care of bare root strawberries:
*Soak the roots overnight prior to planting
*Strawberries prefer soil with excellent drainage, plenty of organic matter and a slightly acidic pH ( (5.5-6.5)
*Plant in full sun for best fruiting
*Fertilize at the proper time, and do not over-fertilize
*Pinch off blooms that occur during the season of planting; for everbearing varieties continue to pinch off blooms till approx. August
*Use mulch to keep beds weed-free
See even more tips in the video!
00:00 My favorite strawberry variety for flavor-- Charlotte!
01:29 Soil
02:33 Handling bareroot strawberry plants
02:29 Planting strawberries
04:31 Fertilizing strawberries
05:43 Watering strawberries
06:21 Mulching strawberries
07:20 Follow-up care

[@ArkansasWoodcutter]

Very nice strawberry information. Packed with info. I would feel super confident in planting and growing berries. Well done!

[@GrowfullywithJenna]

Thank you so much! It took a few years of trial and error (and research) but my strawberry patch is thriving now!

[@goonhoona8186]

I'm a seascape grower right now but you have convinced me to give the french a try.

[@ericgarcia6799]

IM GOING TO HANG MYSELF BECAUSE THE FUCKING COPS WILL NOT STOP FUCKING WITH ME AROUND MY MOMS HOUSE AND I DO NOT KNOW WHAT ELSE TO DO ERIC MATTHEW GARCIA

[@lukawskipaul]

Because of this video, I bought the Charlotte variety and planted them earlier in the spring. I pinched off all the blooms until August. I am now getting a giant bloom of berries and tried a few. WOW what a taste! There were no lies spoken in this video. The Charlotte berries are by far my favorite. They grow very well in the 5B climate. They also send out TONS of runners so if you want to share plants or fill out a patch quickly, these are a great variety to go with. Thank you for the video and all the information! It was incredibly useful and greatly appreciated.

[@GrowfullywithJenna]

I am so glad to hear this, Paul! I really appreciate you letting me know what you think of Charlotte- and I'm very happy you love them too!

[@corinewiita6432]

Same!! Mine will arrive in April!

[@healthstyleelizonroy2766]

Wow I am too excited to have my new young strawberry 🍓 my first time to plant and still living, now from your information I just learned a lot of ideas on how to care .

[@grow.nurture.nourish]

Love this soil - I'm about to transplant mine this weekend - I always transplant in winter :) Love the tip about pinching off blooms - Neveer seen bared rooted strawberries like that before!

[@GrowfullywithJenna]

ru Grew I know, I only my wish my whole garden was soil like that! Have fun transplanting this weekend!

[@erinkendallbraun1459]

Wow, that is a gorgeous strawberry patch!

[@GrowfullywithJenna]

Thank you so much, Erin!

[@PopeyeModesto]

Awesome video. I just transplanted into 41 pots, and some tubs, over 200 strawberry plants into fox farms strawberry fields soil and I'm using Alaska fish fertilizer with guano and I'm using morebloom. Fat strawberries. Looks like you know what you are doing! Happy planting!

[@GrowfullywithJenna]

Wow-- Enjoy the bounty! Your berries are going to be so happy with all that good stuff you've given them. Are you growing a mix of varieties? Take care & have a great weekend!

[@ZingsVideos]

Confirmed. Charlotte are the sweetest strawberries I've ever tasted and the smell is a great bonus.

[@GrowfullywithJenna]

Oh good! I'm glad to hear from another lover of Charlotte strawberries!

[@geoffoutdoors]

Hey Ohio here..just planted some Brunswick strawberries and looking around for tips on growing. Thanks for sharing

[@GrowfullywithJenna]

Hello fellow Ohioan! Glad to hear you're growing some strawberries- I'd love to hear what you think of the Brunswicks, I've not tried that variety. Take care & have a wonderful week!

[@ludlowfalls8856]

Nice! I recently purchased a couple of strawberry plants to put in the raised bed i made for blueberries. Will mulch with pine straw.

[@GrowfullywithJenna]

Perfect! Have fun planting those strawberries and have a great evening!

[@CBsGreenhouseandGarden]

You do such an amazing job explaining step by step on how to plant all your veggies. Awesome job done showing us how you do your strawberries! Stay safe and have a great rest of the week!

[@GrowfullywithJenna]

Thank you so much! I really appreciate your feedback and you taking the time to watch! I can't wait till the established portion of the bed is fruiting (the kids can't either). We've got about a month and a half or so till ripe berries.

[@niceysing]

I love how detailed you were explaining the care of strawberry plant. What's the best way to soak the roots overnight?

[@iBuffy_]

Needed this badly! I getting some strawberries soon this came just in time!

[@GrowfullywithJenna]

I'm glad to hear it! Happy planting!

[@zinnialady5153]

Enjoy your videos. They are very informative and to the point.

[@GrowfullywithJenna]

Thank you Sara, I'm glad to hear you say that, as that is what I'm striving towards when making these! Take care and have a wonderful weekend!

[@annebird9195]

I got some Charlotte strawberrys this year based off your recomendation and they are great! Still small cause i only planted them in the spring, looking forward to biggger juicier ones next year but the flavor is great!! Layers of flavor i didnt expect and an after taste that stayed in your mouth for a minute afterwards.

[@GrowfullywithJenna]

I'm so glad you enjoyed the flavor!

[@PopleBackyardFarm]

yum I love strawberries- great information. We need to redo our strawberry patch

[@GrowfullywithJenna]

Pople BackyardFarm we love our strawberries too 🍓❤️! Thanks for watching and have a wonderful week.

[@emdeejay7432]

Informative! I never heard to pluck the blossoms first season. I know they can put out fruits repeatedly for multiple seasons, but I never heard about that. I'll have to try this. Love the channel, your little farm life looks so fun. I'm in a more residential area so I don't have enough property to do what you do, but I have enough to do a little garden in backyard which is what I'm doing. Anyways, great channel, keep making more videos! 😀

[@GrowfullywithJenna]

I'm glad to hear you've got a little garden in the backyard-- that is wonderful!!

[@jamessanders4310]

My 1st try was a dismal failure! Zone 9 is tough. Too hot in summer. Going to try again. Will be selecting a variety that’s supposed to be good for my area. Your video was a good review!

[@GrowfullywithJenna]

I'm sorry to hear that, James- but happy to hear you're going to try again. What variety did you try this past year?

[@careyareaparanormalenergyr9355]

Hi Jenna! We have the same soil you do, here in northwest Ohio, so opted to use a graduated grow tub to plant our strawberries this year. We chose Alba, which are doing well and taste/ look great. But now you know we must try Charlotte next spring. Thanks for mulching tip! Using straw, but we have lots of pine needles and will give it a go. ~Sylvia

[@GrowfullywithJenna]

Sounds great! I may have to give Alba a try!

[@addysbeeandgarden320]

I just tasted my first Mara. That tiny little flavor bomb did not disappoint. My favorite smoothie is strawberry, pineapple, banana. It pretty much tasted exactly like that.

[@GrowfullywithJenna]

Oh awesome!!

[@millicentrowan]

Yay! I've been growing strawberries for a year, and I really appreciate the tips for caring for strawberries.

[@GrowfullywithJenna]

Oh they are such a fun, rewarding crop to grow... one of my favorites (of course, I feel like I say that about everything). I truly hope you found this helpful, and best wishes for an amazing strawberry harvest!

[@alfredsuhrbier4166]

@@GrowfullywithJenna Can I give the poop from horses at my strawberrys? (Back than, the sister from my grandma, always in November pooped between her strawberrys?!?!)

[@GrowfullywithJenna]

@@alfredsuhrbier4166 Yes, aged horse manure should be OK to use on your strawberries. The key is making sure it is well-aged first, as putting fresh manure on or around the berries can burn the plants up and there is the risk of contaminating the garden with pathogens such as E.coli and salmonella. You will also want to avoid manure from horses who may have eaten grass or weeds sprayed with systemic herbicides. I hope this helps!

[@alfredsuhrbier4166]

@@GrowfullywithJenna Thank you Jenna. I gave for maybe 40 plants, now in November one small bag, horse-poop, that I foundet on the path and for three times at I feeled me alone on the field, I relieved myself between the strawberrys. I hope that was not to much for my plants.

[@GrowfullywithJenna]

@@alfredsuhrbier4166 you're welcome. Just for future reference-- I would refrain from adding any additional fresh waste to the plants if it can be avoided.

[@healthstyleelizonroy2766]

Thanks a lot I am from Philippines just starting to plant I hope I will be successful.

[@GrowfullywithJenna]

Best of luck!

[@dougkidd4799]

Thank you for your fertilizer advice

[@GrowfullywithJenna]

You're welcome

[@LittleJordanFarm]

Blessings come over from CBs greenhouse. ..lol..I relate with the hen ..great tips

[@GrowfullywithJenna]

Thanks so much for stopping by! I'm a new sub to your channel as well thanks to CB! Hope you have a wonderful week!

[@helenmcgill5563]

Great video, very informative, cheers 👍

[@GrowfullywithJenna]

Thank you, Helen! I'm glad you found it informative. Thanks for watching & take care!

[@ke3347]

Noooo! I told myself that I would not buy anymore varieties of strawberries but now I’ll need to get some Charlottes. I just found your channel and am impressed with all the info. Thanks!

[@GrowfullywithJenna]

There's always room for one more variety right? 😉 If you get them, I'd love to hear what you think of the flavor... I'm eagerly anticipating mine fruiting this year! Take care & have a great evening!

[@Andee1688]

I need some Charlottes too. I tried everywhere including France .Wait till October 2021 to order for next Spring. Awww....

[@GrowfullywithJenna]

@@Andee1688 oh no!! I hope you are able to get some eventually!

[@pgjc756]

great info. Thanks for the video. I love strawberries. I am going to give these a try now.

[@GrowfullywithJenna]

You're welcome! There's not much that beats a homegrown, sun-ripened strawberry- that's for sure! If you try these I'd love to hear what you think of them. Another viewer asked me to do a followup on these this year, which I'm planning on doing. Hopefully I've got some good results to share! Take care!

[@pgjc756]

@@GrowfullywithJenna I am sure you will! Love this channel. New subscriber. looking forward to your videos. in the meantime i will catch up on older ones.

[@GrowfullywithJenna]

@@pgjc756 Thank you for your support, I appreciate it!

[@JulesGardening]

Good stuff. Nitrogen timing makes sense. And oh yeah, know about that clay soil all too well!! Nice bed you got going there Jenna!👍☀️🍓

[@GrowfullywithJenna]

Thank you! I'm pretty proud of that strawberry bed (the kids love it too)!

[@JulesGardening]

@@GrowfullywithJenna Well you should be. I don't think people who don't have to deal with clay understand what we are talking about. Not really. Took me years to get one bed to 12 inches of good stuff. It's kind of like a reverse raised bed. lol You know what I mean. Good luck with the new ones!

[@GrowfullywithJenna]

@@JulesGardening Yep- I know exactly what you mean - reversed raised bed is a great way to describe it!

[@Betty-qd8st]

I just ordered 10 plants. I have 3 other varieties . I’m looking for the best strawberry 😁. I’m also still trying to find the best tomato . I may never find the best, but the quest is delicious 😂. Removing the flowers on new plants is what I should have done to my “ Jewel “ June bearing. I didn’t remove all the flowers, just a few. They really didn’t flower much the first year. However. I noticed the following spring, the plants I let produce runners and flowers looked tired. They produced fruit but the berries were small.

[@seanmcguire7974]

I live in the Philly area n we have red/orange clay too. I've been amending our veggie bed going on 3 years. Everything grew before, but I just wanted better soil.

[@GrowfullywithJenna]

Better soil makes everything else easier!! Glad to hear you've been working on amending your veggie bed- hope you're seeing some good results!

[@erech2k2]

I hope you post an update on these this year. I'm stoked to try em out in a 4x4 raised bed. I could only find these at Gurneys, so I was glad to hear you got yours from them. However, it hasmediocre reviews, so I'm hoping your update will lend to if I want to go with that vendor or not.

[@GrowfullywithJenna]

Hi Eduardo, I will have to do that. I just checked out the reviews... I can see why you'd be hesitating on ordering. Some of those are pretty discouraging, I hope mine fare a little better. Early June should be about the time I start seeing results, so stay tuned! Take care & have a great week!

[@dywanecox4880]

I get a lot of my plants from gurney's too. I got the whopper strawberries 🍓 from them. They seem to grow faster than all my other strawberries.

[@patriciamiller8279]

We're planting strawberries this year for the first time ever and I'm so excited! They just came from Gurneys yesterday. Question - do we plant these right away or should we be mindful of possible frost? We're in zone 5/northern Indiana.

[@GrowfullywithJenna]

Bareroot dormant crowns (such as Gurneys sells) can be planted right away- I just planted some from them last week!

[@tiffaniebroadbent631]

I'm in Geauga County, Ohio & love your videos! What do you to care for your strawberry plants through the winter? Thanks!

[@GrowfullywithJenna]

Thank you Tiffanie- and it's always great to hear from a fellow Ohioan! I don't do much for my strawberries- mulch them with straw or leaf mulch and that's it!

[@nornsamnieng7235]

nice time with you to watch your video, from Cambodia ( 15.March 2021 )

[@GrowfullywithJenna]

Hello from the U.S.-- so nice to hear from someone from Cambodia! Take care & have a wonderful week!

[@nornsamnieng7235]

@@GrowfullywithJenna yes , thank you , nice to hear from you too, God bless you

[@EuniceCaligagan]

So beautiful and adorable 💕 thanks for sharing this video new subscriber here 😊

[@GrowfullywithJenna]

Eunice Caligagan thank you very much. I appreciate your feedback and hope you have a wonderful week!

[@TheOptimisticGardener]

Nice video and you have a nice presentation style :)

[@GrowfullywithJenna]

Thank you! I appreciate the feedback!

[@xse-qb2vv]

Just added pine needles to my strawberry patch 🌞

[@GrowfullywithJenna]

Great idea!

[@xse-qb2vv]

Looking at (smelling too 😋) a bowl of freshly picked June Bearing, Albions) Pine needles work great keeping them raised off the bed. 🙂

[@GrowfullywithJenna]

@@xse-qb2vv Nice!! Enjoy!

[@nicolasbertin8552]

Hi Jenna, I've been using pine bark/needles for over 3 years all over my garden, it's a great product. However, contrary to popular belief, it does not acidify the soil at all. My pH, measured every year, has stayed at 8.0-8.2 depending on the area of the garden (heavy alcaline soil). I wished it were more acidic, but it isn't. Life soil will degrade pine mulch, and bring it back up somehow to a pH of around 6.5, which is what pH usually is in that rich top soil (humus layer). But the acidity in pine forests isn't really due to the needles/bark, and that acidification takes centuries. There are some pine forests with neutral soil by the way. If you want to help plants who need acidity, you can have legumes all over. The vicinity of small legume roots is an area with an acidic pH, and it's been studied that other plants who need that acidity will bring their roots closer to those of legumes to grow better. But I have to say I don't really need that method: with organic matter, pretty much everything grows in an alcaline soil. I see people adding tons of weird stuff in their soil to make it acidic, thinking they'll have better yields with tomatoes or potatoes, but it's useless. That may help you grow heather, acacias, blueberries or eucalypts, but it's not needed for vegetables.

[@GrowfullywithJenna]

Thank you for sharing this information, Nicolas. It's great to hear from someone who has done it and measured soil pH each year. I appreciate you sharing your experience.

[@Sweetamss]

Do you want to pick the flowers off the first year for growing in pots too?

[@oilinmylamp]

Can't wait to do this!

[@GrowfullywithJenna]

Yay- glad to hear you're going to do this!

[@pamelah6431]

Those chickens. 🤣 My parents have 5 or 6 and they're so silly. I only tried growing strawberries once, like 6 years ago. Thanks for the content.

[@GrowfullywithJenna]

Haha- yes they are definitely silly! Do you think you'll give strawberries a try again?

[@pamelah6431]

@@GrowfullywithJenna yeah, probably. I have heavy clay AND rabbits. Also, I'm a gardener/landscaper and I'm gone working so much that my own garden gets last dibs.

[@GrowfullywithJenna]

@@pamelah6431 Oh those rabbits LOVE strawberry plants- I have to fence mine off to protect them. And I totally understand about your garden getting last dibs. I used to work at a research farm, running their garden trials-- my garden at home never got any attention!

[@user-vj6xo4fb1l]

I planted a strawberry patch yesterday. Now doubting the straw I put in. The purpose was to grow healthy food for my family. Should I pull the EZ Straw out that I used. Someone commented the possibility of glyphostae being in EZ straw and not sure how Id know whats in it.

[@happierinthesunshine]

I’m watching this video today (May 20) and am wondering when exactly was this filmed? When is the best time to plant strawberries? It’s definitely something I’d love in my garden. Thank you!

[@GrowfullywithJenna]

This was filmed May 6, 2020. Spring is a great time to plant strawberries! I like to get them in before it gets really hot and dry in the summer.

[@mercyannepublico2675]

Great video! I planted root berries in containers and it is not growing flowers, any idea what could be happening? Do you have a video on how to winterize strawberry plants in containers? Thank you!

[@GrowfullywithJenna]

A couple of questions in regards to your plants not flowering- how long ago did you plant and is the foliage looking green & healthy? Unfortunately, I do not have a video on winterizing containers because here in Zone 6 I do not have to do anything special to help them overwinter. Strawberries do fine here when left outdoors in containers. If I lived in a colder climate I would most likely just move the containers to an unheated garage through the winter.

[@stevegerber169]

I think I would have planted the new variety 'Charlotte' in a separate bed so that the different varieties don't grow together. You may want to propagate more of the Charlotte's from runners and it could become difficult to know which is which after a few years growth.

[@GrowfullywithJenna]

Steve Gerber excellent point! I wanted to do this originally- but was in a hurry to get the plants in the ground and the amount of work it would take to form a whole new bed was daunting 😆. Right now I’ve got 3 different varieties in the same bed- and would definitely advise folks to separate their varieties for exactly the reason you describe. They do all grow together and are difficult to tell apart. Thanks so much for the feedback and have a wonderful weekend!

[@elireyna3605]

Wow that’s a lot of strawberry

[@GrowfullywithJenna]

And I still need to plant more 😄

[@Heartbeetnutritionist]

Thanks Jenna🍓 Should the runners be cut the first year also? I’m unsure of how to treat the runners and if they should be cut off and if doing so will this always give you more berries?

[@GrowfullywithJenna]

Great question, Toni. To encourage more berry production, runners can be pinched off the first year. Honestly though, I never do this. The only time I mess with runners is when I want to move some plants to a different location. I allow the runners to set root, then dig up the 'daughter' plant and move it elsewhere.

[@marymongold9857]

Fellow Ohioian here, planning out a newly established garden box. When placing your straw after planting, did you just do this between plants? Or overtop of plant as well? It was hard to determine with the video so I wanted to clarify.

[@GrowfullywithJenna]

I try to just put it around the plants, not on top of them. Sometimes it gets a little messy 😆.

[@bellaslife9785]

What are the names of the brands for the soil that I should be using to grow?

[@latredl773]

Hi Jena! Your video is very useful♥️! I would like to ask "how did you take the root plant and grow it" like in your video? Did you take it (root variety) from the previous season and then cut all the leave or you took it from the store?

[@GrowfullywithJenna]

Hello! I'm glad you found the video useful. The strawberry plants featured in the video were purchased from Gurney's Seed & Nursery Co (a mail order gardening supply company). But you could certainly take runners from your existing plants and plant the same way. Hope this helps and have a great day!

[@latredl773]

@@GrowfullywithJenna Thanks for your info👍!

[@GrowfullywithJenna]

@@latredl773 You're welcome!

[@nnoble92]

Great video, didn’t know about holding off on nitrogen in spring!

[@GrowfullywithJenna]

Thanks- I didn't either until just a few years ago- I had always fertilized them that way. But this timing does seem to work better now that I've switched.

[@jacksonanderson4260]

If I start ever-bearing strawberry plants from bare root can I pick the flowers until the last harvest in august so I can have some first year

[@GrowfullywithJenna]

When starting everbearers from bareroot plants in the spring, the recommended approach is to pick off the blooms until August- then you can allow those blooms to form fruit and get a late season harvest the first year.

[@vieuxacadian9455]

Merci madame . Bonjour de Nouvelle Orleans .

[@GrowfullywithJenna]

Bonjour de l'Ohio et vous êtes les bienvenus! Merci d'avoir regardé.

[@backwoodswildman]

Hello fellow Ohioan, I live up by Lake Erie. I have a strawberry patch that I started 2 years ago and have a lot of area for new growth. Do you recommend straw for existing plants to help with weed control till the area fills in like yours? Thanks

[@GrowfullywithJenna]

Hello! It's great to hear from a fellow Ohioan! My favorite thing to use as mulch with existing plants is untreated pine bark mulch. But straw will absolutely work. It's not completely effective, as stubborn weeds like thistles will grow right up through the straw, but it helps suppress some weeds, keeps the soil moist and makes the weeds that do come up easier to pull. Best wishes for a bountiful berry harvest! Have a great week!

[@ttb1513]

Great tip about Charlottes. Something that confuses me is some commercial growers plant new plants each year, so clearly they don’t remove blossoms on new plants, or they’d never have a harvest. But each plant also apparently has a productive live span of a few years. I am anxious to learn how the productivity changes over a single plants lifetime, and what a good harvest is from a single plant. Anybody have experience to share?

[@GrowfullywithJenna]

You are correct- commercial growers treat strawberries an annual, so they are not worried about long-term production. They are basically pushing their plants to the max and then ripping them out & replacing them. They are also discouraging runner production to focus all the plant's energy on producing and ripening fruit. As far as total yields, it's going to depend on variety and whether the plants are Junebearing or Day neutral (everbearing). In a commercial setting, the aim is 1 lb per plant for JB varieties. This is higher than what you'd see in a home setting because of their intensive production methods. In a home setting, a well maintained strawberry patch may remain productive for 4 to 6 years, typically starting to decline after the 3rd production (I don't have data on total yields in a home setting). But your plants are also typically putting out runners and forming new plants each year, so most home gardeners end up with a perpetual type of strawberry scenario. I'm not sure this fully answers your question... hopefully others chip in as well!

[@ttb1513]

@@GrowfullywithJenna Thanks Jenna. That helps. I certainly have more experience to gain. I have ever bearing and June bearing that were both planted late summer and produced some the following year. The 2nd fall, they have plentiful large green leaves which hopefully sets the stage for them to be far ahead of the plugs I started with that had a only a few leaves. Hopefully next year will produce a large(r) harvest. I have 50 plants of each and would be very happy with a pound, even somewhat less, per plant. We’ll see! And thanks for the Charlotte tip. I had been consider Mara de Bois. Now I just have to find Charlotte’s in the USA. They are out of stock and season for ordering in the fall now; hopefully they do have them for ordering for the spring.

[@GrowfullywithJenna]

@@ttb1513 you are welcome and best wishes for a wonderful harvest next season! I hope you can find Charlotte as well!

[@colliecoform4854]

Supposedly strawberries only produce well for three years and then need to be replanted. I don't actively sort by age I just will pull out plants that aren't doing well. I have a few of the plants with colorful blooms, not great producers but pretty in a planter or hanging basket and you do get berries. My oldest is five years old in a hanging basket. Hopefully it still produces this year I plant everbearing and will pick off the first set of flowers but then let them fruit. I do have some older plants but each year I will plant runners or buy some new bare root. I stay away from high nitrogen fertilizer and stick with the fruit and root. Just a small amount of nitrogen is enough to get good foliage. I love doing strawberries with the grandchidren. It's like instant gratification and no thorns. This year I have a ton to plant as I got 2 greenstalks to fill.

[@falynch]

Commercial growers are buying in double cold stored plants. In other words their suppliers essentially trick the plants into thinking they've been through 2 growing seasons, so are multi crowned plants already.

[@user-gq5tn3lg4i]

Thank you

[@GrowfullywithJenna]

You're welcome

[@maidenmopar]

Hello these look great! I see this video is 3 years ago, I'm just wondering how it panned out with this variety? I'm in zone 5B Indiana

[@GrowfullywithJenna]

I still love it! I don't think it's quite as productive as some of my others (Cabot, Wendy...), but definitely the best flavored!

[@maidenmopar]

@@GrowfullywithJenna thanks for the reply! We ordered some.

[@esmysyield2023]

Would you happen to know if the Charlotte variety would do well in the deep south?

[@GrowfullywithJenna]

Unfortunately, I don't think they will do particularly well in the deep south.

[@bipolarvortex]

Thanks for the great tips. After doing some research, Charlottes do not fair well in hot and dry Southern California (10B) so back to Chandlers. Oh well.

[@GrowfullywithJenna]

That is a good point- for warmer areas Charlotte is not the best option.

[@galenhaugh3158]

Pine needles are also known to suppress slugs and snails.

[@GrowfullywithJenna]

Good to know thank you

[@alvaropineda9568]

thanks a lot!

[@GrowfullywithJenna]

You are welcome, Alvaro!

[@lucian.cojocaru8731]

Thank you very much for this video and very good information! I do have one bed with strawbeeries and the last year i had not luck with because the aphids,ants and the slugs were there always and i lost aproximately 70 % !! :-( How do keep away the aphids ,ants come after the aphids and then slugs eat and then ants start to eat too! Should i stop giving the fertiliser to them in the spring? i don't know how,what to do to have a nice harvest!

[@GrowfullywithJenna]

Lucian. Cojocaru aphid populations tend to be high on strawberry plants which receive too much nitrogen, so you’ll want to choose a balanced fertilizer that’s no higher in nitrogen than what you absolutely need- whether applied in the spring or fall. In the short term, using an organic treatment for the aphids may be advisable as well- look for products containing neem oil or pyrethrins. You may also try to encourage the presence of the aphids natural predators- green lacewings. Once you have the aphids under control, that in itself with reduce the ants. As far as slugs- lower nitrogen, fertilizing in the fall and reducing straw or other mulch that they might live in may help. I hope this helps!

[@lucian.cojocaru8731]

@@GrowfullywithJenna Thank you very much for the reply! I do appreciate a lot! Will do exactely as how you said! Want to eat all strawberries next year! Greetings from Belgium!

[@GrowfullywithJenna]

@@lucian.cojocaru8731 I do hope you have a wonderful crop of strawberries next year to enjoy! Best wishes and greetings from the States!

[@lchen3184]

Hi, can you do a update on your Charlotte strawberries. how is the strawberries size, flavor and brix because i'm trying to pick between Albion or Charlotte for next year plating. So far i got Shuksan and Mara Des Bois and looking to add one more variety.

[@GrowfullywithJenna]

Hi Li Chen, I very much wanted to do this, unfortunately the chipmunks have taken a particular liking to my Charlottes and chewed on almost every berry! I'm hoping I can figure out a way to protect the new fruit that will be put on and do an update later this summer. I can tell you the size it about 1 1/2-2" on average (relatively small)... pre-chipmunk bites. Brix is in the 8-8.5 range, and flavor is excellent- intense is the best word I can think of. It's like they pack double the flavor in that little berry compared to other varieties. Albion is an excellent variety in many regards- honestly the berries are larger, firmer and better looking than Charlotte and it has higher yields. The flavor is great- but IMO does not compare to Charlotte. However, you've already got Mara des Bois, which is similar in eating quality to Charlotte... I might be tempted to go with Albion. Hope this helps!

[@lchen3184]

@@GrowfullywithJenna i use bird netting and mesh to keep my berries safe.

[@GrowfullywithJenna]

@@lchen3184 Thanks for the tip!

[@Striker50_]

Do I pick the flower blossoms off if it's not planted in the ground but in a raised box?

[@GrowfullywithJenna]

Yes- if you want your strawberry plants to be healthy & productive in the long run, the blooms should be picked off the year of planting in both in-ground and raised box situations.

[@greenleafgardening9470]

Thanks 🥰

[@GrowfullywithJenna]

You're welcome!

[@capeflatterytrail]

Is Gurney's/Gardens Alive the only place that sells this variety? I am tempted to try it. Last year, we grew Quinault, Tristar, Mara des Bois, Seascape, and Albion, and everyone loved Tristar the best. There's even an article on "the plight of the Tristars" that quotes a number of French chefs who like them even better than Mara. This year, I think we will also get some Marshall strawberries, which are supposed to be a great heirloom.

[@GrowfullywithJenna]

There is a Canadian nursery that sells them lareault.com/en/strawberry-plants/43-charlotte.html, but in the States, Gurneys and Gardens Alive are the only places I've seen offering it. Isn't that interesting-- strawberries, like many fruits & veggies, tend to taste different depending on where they're grown- I've grown Tristar and wasn't overly impressed with the eating quality, but I've no doubt they could be amazing grown elsewhere! I'm glad you enjoyed them!

[@capeflatterytrail]

@@GrowfullywithJenna Well, if terroir would affect wines, you would expect it to affect anything, including strawberries. This year, I'm adding 10 Charlotte strawberry plants and will have to see which one tastes best.

[@jamessanders4310]

Delightful to listen to and really informative….why not let some of the plants produce fruit as you’re going to have many, many more plants from runners?

[@GrowfullywithJenna]

Thanks, James! You could certainly allow some of them to produce fruit. Those plants likely won't have the vigor to put on much (if any) runner production the following year- but your other plants will, and as you point out, eventually you will have the potential for many more plants. I suppose this would just be a personal growing preference. Thanks for bringing this up!

[@travis2539]

After 3 years how are the Charlotte doing? We love maras and are trying these this year. Ordered 20 barefoot from gurneys.

[@GrowfullywithJenna]

They're doing great-- the only negative for me, is that they don't runner much and don't produce as many 'babies' as some other strawberry varieties do. So they're slower to fill in a patch and I don't have as many baby plants that I can re-root and transplant elsewhere.

[@blackriflex39]

wow those plants have alot of flowers on them... are they ever bearing or june bearing? im in my second year of some ozark beauties and hoping this years yield will be worth the constant pruning (heart break) last season...

[@GrowfullywithJenna]

I've got a mix of both in there. Best of luck with your berries!

[@blackriflex39]

@@GrowfullywithJenna do the june bearers tend to put out more fruit?

[@Kelly-ml5tl]

What do you think of Royal Sovereign?

[@GrowfullywithJenna]

I've not tried that one! I can't seem to find it here in the states.

[@ericwilliams1124]

Would wood chips be ok to use for mulch?

[@GrowfullywithJenna]

Yes

[@abigailmccrea9366]

What is that tool you're using and where can I get on?

[@GrowfullywithJenna]

Love, love, love that tool- www.leevalley.com/en-us/shop/garden/garden-care/cultivators/10519-ho-mi-diggers

[@melissaschloneger9902]

I am looking into strawberries, but I have a big deer problem. Do you have a deer fence around your garden? And do you use any coverings to keep smaller animals out? Many thanks for all of your advice.

[@GrowfullywithJenna]

I have a 5 foot fence around the perimeter of my main garden, but the deer could easily jump that if they wanted to. I have a bigger problem with rabbits eating off all of my newly planted strawberries. For that I use small portable fencing or just cover the plants with the same hoops and row covers I use for insects. That seems to do the trick until the plants get established.

[@melissaschloneger9902]

Thank you so much for your advice and your time!

[@GrowfullywithJenna]

@@melissaschloneger9902 you’re welcome!

[@dman3943]

Do you know off hand which variety’s do best in zone 10?

[@GrowfullywithJenna]

You might find this site helfpul: strawberryplants.org/strawberry-varieties-by-state/ you can look up recommended varieties by your state.

[@dman3943]

Thank you!

[@donmartin7728]

2 years ago you planted your strawberries. Curious to know how they are doing this year?

[@GrowfullywithJenna]

They are doing great- I’m actually transplanting a lot of the runners right now! Last year’s crop was delicious… j but the chipmunks kept stealing them 😩

[@ea313712]

Great info from all your garden related videos ! Is it ok to kinda prune back some of the very large leaves from my strawberry plants ? My plants are about 2 years old (the first year I did remove most of the flowers and runners) and very strong and healthy and wondering if TOO MANY large leaves can take away from the flowering blooms which i'm starting to have lots of at the moment. i don't overfeed with nitrogen since that is more for foliage, I try to keep any fertilizer around 5-5-5. So, okay to trim back a few, or a lot of the very huge leaves to help focus the plants energy on their blooms ? Thank you.

[@GrowfullywithJenna]

Sounds like you're doing everything right! I would not advise pruning healthy foliage on your 2 year old strawberries. Vigorous, healthy foliage won't take away from the flowering capacity of the plants and pruning prior to fruit set may stress the plants. I hope this helps & best wishes for a bountiful strawberry harvest!

[@ea313712]

@@GrowfullywithJenna Makes sense, thank you. I have about 10 plants in a raised flower bed, rather not deal with snails and other pest on the ground, coffee grounds once a month okay to do ?

[@GrowfullywithJenna]

@@ea313712 a once a month application of coffee grounds should be fine- I wouldn't apply them too thickly. Caffeine can actually inhibit plant growth!

[@ea313712]

@@GrowfullywithJenna Are there certain plants that do benefit from used up coffee grounds ?

[@GrowfullywithJenna]

@@ea313712 this is an excellent question. I've heard so many amazing claims attributed to coffee grounds, but the truth is, many of those claims cannot be backed up by research. My general recommendation is that you just add your coffee grounds to the compost pile, as like most things, they are more effective in the garden after being composted. They can also be used in combination with your mulch- apply a thin layer to the top of your soil and then add your regular mulch (straw, wood chips etc). If you have a minute for an interesting read, check out this article: s3.wp.wsu.edu/uploads/sites/403/2015/03/coffee-grounds.pdf I really like Dr. Chalker-Scott's work as she breaks down common garden claims and provides information on actual studies that have been done on each topic. I hope this helps & take care!

[@latrice8262]

Where do you buy Charlotte strawberries?😊

[@GrowfullywithJenna]

I got my Charlottes here: www.gurneys.com/product/charlotte

[@georgecarlin2656]

2:24 "a slightly higher PH, so between 5.5 and 6.5" - this is considered low PH (high is above 7.0)

[@GrowfullywithJenna]

Yes- thank you for pointing this out. I mispoke on this point.

[@ZahaviX]

Plucking first year flowers: does it matter if they’re June or everbearing?

[@GrowfullywithJenna]

With ever-bearing the general advice is to continue to pick off blooms till around in August. With Junebeariing pick off all first year blooms.

[@marymiller4155]

What zone does Charlotte do well in?

[@GrowfullywithJenna]

Hi Mary, great question. 'Charlotte' is supposed to be suitable for Zones 3-8. Take care!

[@lorrie6673]

Can different varieties be planted next to each other and remain true? Thanks Jenna

[@GrowfullywithJenna]

Do you mean will the fruit remain true to type, or are you collecting seed? The fruit will, yes.

[@lorrie6673]

@@GrowfullywithJenna Yes, was wondering if the fruit would stay true to type. Thanks!

[@Beavercountyrancher]

Do you cover your strawberries over the winter? Mine seem to die off over the winter and then grow new through the dead ones

[@GrowfullywithJenna]

I do not. The green foliage does die back through the winter and sprouts up anew in the spring.

[@jacklawver4403]

Hey u might no see this bUt i am curious how ur bare roots strawberry turned out. have all of them re sprouted?

[@GrowfullywithJenna]

That’s a good question- I planted 10 bareroot plants in all and 8 of them sprouted and have grown really well. That’s a little lower success rate than I typically have with bareroot strawberry plants (usually I have a 90-100% success rate) but I waited a bit longer than I should have between receiving the plants and actually planting them.

[@kidsfuntime168]

Hi ! Just come across ur video that had been post 2 years ago, really interested about this charlottes strawberries. Can you prefer What trusted website can you buy this kind of berry? Thank you

[@GrowfullywithJenna]

Hello! I got my plants from Gurney's Seed.

[@kidsfuntime168]

How about Garden Alive ? Have you familiar with this? Thank

[@GrowfullywithJenna]

Yes- Gardens Alive actually owns Gurney's, so the Charlotte plants will be coming from the same place whether you order from Gurneys or Gardens Alive.

[@JIMKOR]

Is it ever bearing or June bearing?

[@GrowfullywithJenna]

Charlotte is an everbearer.

[@bbtruth2161]

That good? Really? Was just looking at them yesterday, considered ordering them for spring. The reviews were only so, so. Hmmmmm..... I really like my Albions. I may be biased, but they are the best I have personally tasted, but admittedly haven't tried a large variety, yet. I just started a new strawberry patch last year. I actually took a whole old garden bed as I want a large patch. It had rested for a year. It got covered in 4ft plus grass, thick, really thick. Wasn't sure what I was doing but just kind of went in with weed whip the fall before, mowed the grass down to the ground with weed whip. I beat the crap out of that stuff. Left all the dead grass right on the plot. Next year, went right in, no till. Made my rows. Mulched my paths with pine animal bedding. It worked amazing. Combo of straw and pine shavings around plants, thick layer in walking paths. Hardly any weeds and only a few spots of grass here or there. Pinched blossoms early, but both my junebearing and day neutrals went absolutely crazy. So many runners I was able to fill out my plot with only the original 45 plants I bought no fertilizer what so ever except a little epsom salts early just to help ph a little. Transplanted lots runners and the spots where I originally planted soon turned into 3ft wide rows. Weirdly, my day neutrals threw out more runners than junebearings. Will be doing lots of transplanting next year as I am redoing the fencing on that plot to make it even bigger. Not sure what went right, but I can't wait to get going on those next year. I did end up with a few quarts of the best strawberries I ever had at the end of last season. Strawberries are very tough. Green all the way to December in MN. Thanks Jenna! My hens get like that too.

[@GrowfullywithJenna]

Sounds like an awesome strawberry plot you have there! I'm sure they really loved those pine shavings and I appreciate all the detail on your whole process. Now I will say, my love for Charlotte is based purely on flavor. Are there more vigorous, more productive strawberries available? Absolutely! But, in my book, that flavor can't be beat. I've not tried every variety, but have done years of strawberry flavor trials and this one has been tops every time. One caveat is, that what tastes best in my climate & in my growing conditions may not be the best in other areas AND what tastes most pleasing to my palette is, of course, subjective. But if you give it a try, I'd be very curious to hear what you think. Thanks for sharing and happy holidays!

[@bbtruth2161]

@@GrowfullywithJenna Oh, I don't think I will be able to help myself. Already was looking at ordering some of the Charlottes. Given your experience, I'm inclined to trust your opinion. Happy to let you know once they are up and growing. A very Merry Christmas to you and your family!

[@jperiksen]

you don't pick off the flowers on june bearing on the first year, it's the first year that produces the heaviest, it's better to pick off runners until mid-summer and to only allow for 1 or 2 runners per plant.

[@GrowfullywithJenna]

It depends on if you want to treat your plants as annual producers or perennials. Many big strawberry operations treat them as annuals and do allow 1 big crop the first year. For a home-gardener who might want to keep a strawberry patch in production for the longer term, picking off the blossoms is still recommended- for Junebearers, all blooms the first year, for Everbearers, all blooms until around August.

[@karansotv7181]

For years im yearning to get american strawberries but its impossible to ship it international

[@GrowfullywithJenna]

Zyllas Porquez I am sorry to hear that- hopefully they will be available to you soon. What country are you in?

[@karansotv7181]

@@GrowfullywithJenna philippines they say that its illegal to ship seeds and plants abroad

[@misspimake]

Hi! Do I fertilize after the last harvest? Fall season? Tia!

[@GrowfullywithJenna]

Hi MissPlmake- thanks for the great question! This is something I should have actually clarified further in the video. The optimal timing for fertilizer application differs depending on the type of strawberry you are growing. June-bearers (varieties of strawberries which bear 1 crop in early summer and then are done till next year) can be fertilized immediately after the harvest is finished (typically in June). This timing is optimal because you're replenishing the depleted reserves of plants which have just finished maturing a crop and now will have access to nutrients so they can grow more runners and spread. Ever-bearers and Day Neutrals (varieties of strawberries which bear a main crop in early summer and produce sporadically throughout the remainder of the growing season and/or put on another flush of fruit in late summer) can be fertilized in the early fall. Same idea- you're waiting until the harvest is over, it's just that everbearers/day neutrals have an extended harvest period as compared to Junebearers. I hope this helps to clarify and don't hesitate to reach out with any further questions! Have a great evening!

[@misspimake]

Growfully with Jenna thank you so much! One more question, what’s a good fertilizer to use? We have a first year Hood and Albion strawberries.

[@GrowfullywithJenna]

@@misspimake you're welcome! When it comes to fertilizer, I'll always recommend a natural, slow-release fertilizer for all garden plants. As I mentioned in the video a 10-10-10 formulation will work, as this is what many folks have sitting around. You can also look at something like Espoma's Berry Tone which is 4-3-4, or Jobe's Berry Granular Plant Food, which is 4-4-3, these brands are pretty readily available at most garden centers in my area. In the video I'm using Gardens Alive! Strawberry food, which is a slightly higher nitrogen formulation. I went with this because I had a soil test done and my soil is defecient in nitrogen-- therefore, I needed an extra little boost! If I recall correctly it's an 8-4-4. I hope this helps!

[@misspimake]

Growfully with Jenna thank you!

[@GrowfullywithJenna]

@@misspimake you're welcome. Happy to help!

[@andrewcooke7552]

Hi Jenna, I just got some Charlotte strawberries from Gurneys and I need your help. I have some questions. How can I contact you?

[@GrowfullywithJenna]

Hi Andrew, email me at [e-mail]

[@tromboneJTS]

At 2:30 you mean higher acidity or lower pH

[@GrowfullywithJenna]

Spot on- thanks for pointing that out. I always make that stupid mistake!!

[@jaychang6930]

Your hens listen! Lol.

[@GrowfullywithJenna]

Haha- that’s the one and only time they ever listened to me 😂

[@capeflatterytrail]

How did your Charlotte strawberry plants perform?

[@GrowfullywithJenna]

They're doing great- planning on planting more this spring!

[@capeflatterytrail]

I planted Charlotte, based on this video, Mara Des Bois, and Tristar in containers. The first year, Tristar performed and tasted the best. Last year, the Charlotte, followed by Mara Des Bois, were the best tasting, yet the produce fewer. I also grow an heirloom called Marshall in the ground. @@GrowfullywithJenna

[@corydickey6977]

What do you do about birds eating your berries, I would love yo send pictures of my raised beds of berries but don't know how to send them. We have June berry's and ever berries.

[@GrowfullywithJenna]

I (knock on wood) don't have a lot of trouble with birds eating my strawberries. They do, however, love to eat my blueberries. Using things like bird scare tape (flash tape) or an owl or hawk decoy to deter the birds can be somewhat effective, but the best method I've found is just using netting to cover the plants.

[@corydickey6977]

I have a horse shoe shaped raised bed and have nesting over it but my others I don't, I would love to send pictures to you but not sure how to do that here on this KZbin page you have any idea of it thank you

[@GrowfullywithJenna]

@@corydickey6977 You can send pictures to [e-mail]

[@corydickey6977]

Thank You for getting back to me, I just like to connect with people on what I do and trying to learn more, I put in my early retirement so do this is about the only hobby I have other then helping people with things they can't afford to pay some one else. I also am waiting for summer time to head into the mountains to pick huckleberrys the purple gold they call it here in Idaho. Lords bless you and your family.

[@GrowfullywithJenna]

@@corydickey6977 You're welcome! Those sound like 2 very worthwhile hobbies.

[@NavigatedChaos]

How do you not add the strain of strawberries name and just assume we know how to spell it from what you said?

[@GrowfullywithJenna]

The variety is spelled “ Charlotte “

[@hollienguyen5222]

be careful with crown rot soaking your bare roots, it's best to use sand (watering them in) to keep your bareroots alive until you can plant them.

[@markiie89]

hello! I wanted to ask where did you buy those? I want to order some but I want to make sure I get real charlottes!

[@GrowfullywithJenna]

Hello! I got my plants from Gurney's Seed & Nursery Co. To my knowledge, Gurneys, Gardens Alive & Spring Hill Nurseries are the only companies in the States selling 'Charlotte'. In Canada, I believe Lareault is the sole source for plants.

[@markiie89]

@@GrowfullywithJenna dang ok yea I cant find any place with it in season but any chance I could pay you for a few roots or runners? At least that way I dont have to worry about getting fake Charlotte's! Please consider

[@GrowfullywithJenna]

@@markiie89 unfortunately my plants aren't large enough yet to start dividing- I'm using all the of the runners I have right now to expand my own planting. Perhaps in a few years I'll have enough to share!

[@ramjohnbaksh2888]

Hi i am from the caribbean how can i get the charlotte variety

[@GrowfullywithJenna]

I’m not sure if Charlotte would be available in your area. Also it produces best in Zones 3-8… I’m afraid it may not do well in the Caribbean climate.

[@ramjohnbaksh2888]

@@GrowfullywithJenna hi thanks got some strawberries and it got a bit purpleish colour on some leaves and some of the leaves have dried

[@ramjohnbaksh2888]

Can you give some info and treatment

[@MartinaSchoppe]

Great. Now I want want want some Charlotte strawberries.... Does anybody know where to buy them in Germany? :D

[@GrowfullywithJenna]

I wish I had a good source to recommend, Martina! I'll talk to some of my grower friends and see if anyone knows of a seller in Germany-- I'll let you know if I find anything. Take care!

[@MartinaSchoppe]

@@GrowfullywithJenna

[@Batchat2352]

My charlotte strawberries always had a tart taste. Not great. A year later they got very crowded and grew crowns on top of other crowns. Tried to save them by dividing the crowns unfortunatly they have all perished. Idk what my strawberries are sick from. They dont grow big. When flowering the new growth turns brown and dies. I scrapped all the soil who was mostly claim with bagged compost. Got full blown municipal compost and mixed 50/50 with peat moss and perlite. Compared to last year with sick plants i got 500g of strawberries. I wont be getting much this year. I bough more mara des bois to replace 3 of them who almost died and are 1 inch tall vs 10inches on the new ones. I also have e almost fully rooted runners on small pots from it and im going to plant them on my bed soon. I crown divided one seascape plan who was going out of wack was able to get 5 plants out of it and they are growing strong. Albion also have thick stems but very snappy you touch them and they snap like twigs. That varierty im not going to replace.