Strawberry Plug Culture Basics
Strawberry plugs are a time-sensitive crop, and proper establishment in the fall is one of the biggest factors determining next season’s yield and berry quality. Earlier planting within your recommended planting window allows plants to establish larger crowns and more branch crowns before winter.
Recommended Planting Window
| USDA Zone | Recommended Planting Window |
|---|---|
| Zone 4 | August 1–15 |
| Zone 5 | August 15–30 |
| Zone 6 | August 22–September 7 |
| Zone 7 | September 1–15 |
Upon Arrival
- Inspect plants immediately upon arrival.
- Remove all packaging so excess heat can escape.
- Keep plants cool and moist.
- Plant the same day if possible, or within 24 hours of delivery.
Site Selection & Bed Preparation
Avoid planting strawberries in soil where strawberries, brambles, tomatoes, potatoes, eggplants, peppers, rhubarb, or other berry crops have recently been grown, as these crops may harbor soil diseases that affect plant health and productivity.
Raised beds are strongly recommended. A minimum bed height of 4″ is recommended, with 8″ being ideal. Lay plastic mulch and drip lines approximately 3–4 weeks before planting to warm the soil and help reduce weed pressure.
Beds should be formed when soil moisture is adequate. Water thoroughly before planting so plants have consistent moisture during establishment.
Strawberries require high fertility for optimal growth. Incorporate a well-balanced fertilizer, such as Soil Balance or HyR Brix Fruit and Berry, at a rate of up to 20 lbs. per 100′ of bed.
Planting Instructions
- Plant in double rows with rows approximately 18″ apart.
- Space plants 10–14″ apart within the row.
- Plant during the evening or cooler parts of the day when possible to reduce transplant shock.
- Do not bury the crown. Set plugs at the same depth they were growing in the tray.
- Water plants thoroughly after planting.
Row spacing: approximately 18″
Plant spacing: 10–14″
Irrigation & Establishment
Use overhead irrigation immediately after planting and continue through the first week to improve root-to-soil contact and reduce transplant stress. If conditions are hot or dry, overhead irrigation may be needed longer.
Once established, transition to drip irrigation using the Garden Irrigation Kit, or use regular hand watering to maintain even moisture and nutrient availability.
Runner Removal & Branch Crown Development
Runner removal is critical for maximizing fruit production. Runners divert energy away from fruit and crown development. Remove runners regularly throughout the fall—ideally weekly.
The goal is to develop a large, healthy mother crown along with 2–3 branch crowns before winter. Timely planting is essential to achieving this.
Fertility & Feeding
Strawberries are heavy feeders and respond well to balanced fertility programs. Incorporate a balanced fertilizer before planting as described in the bed preparation instructions.
During fall establishment, apply HyR Brix Liquid Fertilizer weekly with drip irrigation. When using a 1:100 injector, mix 50 oz. of HyR Brix Liquid Fertilizer per 1 gallon of stock tank water and agitate well before use.
For hand watering, mix 2 oz. per gallon of water.
Every third feeding during active growth, supplement with Calcium Nitrate at a rate of 1 cup per 50′ of row.
Winter Protection
Straw mulch provides the best winter protection by maintaining stable crown temperatures and preventing premature growth during winter warm spells.
Row covers can also be used in regions with reliable snow cover or milder winters, but they require careful management.
We do not recommend skipping mulch entirely unless you’re in a region with consistently mild winters or reliable snow cover.
Spring Frost Protection
Keep row cover available during bloom in spring. Open blossoms can be damaged when nighttime temperatures fall below approximately 35°F.
Renovation After Harvest
- Mow or remove old foliage promptly after harvest, taking care not to damage crowns.
- Remove remaining runners.
- Inspect and repair irrigation and plastic mulch as needed.
- Remove dead foliage and debris around crowns.
- Maintain irrigation and monitor pests and diseases throughout summer.
- Assess crown density. If more than five branch crowns are present, thin the crown manually or with an asparagus knife, leaving at least three per plant.
Taking the time to establish your strawberry plugs properly can make the difference between a crop loss and an excellent strawberry season.
Enjoy your strawberries!
