By Diane Dilov-Schultheis
Everbearing is one of three different types of strawberries grown in home gardens. The other two types include June-bearing and day-neutral strawberry plants. Everbearing strawberries will bear two (in spring and late summer) or three (spring, summer and fall) crope per year, depending on your location.
The ideal time to plant everbearing strawberries is in early spring when you can easily work the soil. This is typically in March or April in most regions and provides plenty of time for the strawberry plants to take root before the hot days of summer begin. Wait until the soil is dry and then select an overcast, cool day or wait until the late afternoon to plant the strawberries. Only purchase healthy everbearing strawberry plants from a reliable source.
Selecting the best location to plant the everbearing strawberries will ensure the plants produce an abundance of blossoms and berries. Do not plant strawberry plants in a site where any peppers, potatoes, tomatoes and other strawberries were grown in the last three years. Find a site that provides at least six and up to 10 hours of full sunlight a day. Stay clear of locations near structures or tall trees, which could shade the strawberry plants.
Supply enough room to provide each everbearing strawberry plant with 1 square foot of growing area. You need to space the plants 1 foot apart in rows that are spaced 2 feet apart. Enrich the soil in the location selected through preparing raised beds for the everbearing plants. Use a combination of 1 part peat, 1 part topsoil and 2 parts builders’ sand. Clear the planting site of all foliage, and then add the mix into the top 6 inches of soil.
Water container-grown transplants or soak any bare-root strawberry plants for at least an hour before planting. Remove old foliage and any blossoms on the plants. Cut off any weak or roots over 4 to 5 inches long. Dig a hole to plant the everbearing strawberry with the roots under the soil and the crown just above. Water the area to settle the plants in place and then give each strawberry plant 1 to 2 cups of a starter fertilizer.