Strawberries

Strawberries

August 29, 2024

Introduction

I have the secrets to cultivating juicy strawberries, no matter what type of urban space you have - hanging baskets off your balcony, a vertical planter on your rooftop, or even hydroponically indoors. Homegrown strawberries are often sweeter and you’ll know for sure no pesticides have touched your precious berries. If you only have indoor space, this is the best berry to grow.

The What

Strawberries are delightful, juicy berries that can be enjoyed fresh off the vine, providing a sweet flavor that surpasses store-bought varieties. These berries are high in vitamin C and manganese, a mineral essential for bone health. Not only are the fruits delicious, but the flowers are also edible and make a lovely addition to salads. Strawberries are versatile for ground cover, container gardening, and even hydroponic systems, which are soilless growing setups. As perennials, plants that live for more than two years, they come back year after year, offering continuous harvests, especially with everbearing varieties.

The Why

In NYC, growing strawberries can enhance your urban space. Ideal for balconies, rooftops, and terraces, strawberries thrive in containers and hydroponic systems. They are easy to grow, making them perfect for family gardening activities. Simple steps like mulching to retain moisture and protecting from slugs lead to a bountiful harvest. Companion planting with crops like spinach, lettuce, and arugula boosts yields and maximizes garden potential. Enjoy the freshness and sweetness of homegrown strawberries while making the most of your limited space​

Sunlight Requirements

Strawberries need 6-8 hours of direct sunlight daily. Indoors: Can be grown in pots with bright light or hydroponically using grow lights for 12-14 hours.

Water Requirements

Keep soil consistently moist. Indoors, monitor soil moisture frequently; outdoors, water regularly, especially during hot weather. Mulching helps retain moisture.

Temperature Tolerance

Strawberries are perennial and love 60-80°F, ideally 65-75°F. Plant outdoors in early spring in NYC zone 7b. Warm days and cool nights enhance fruit flavor and yield.

Container Size

Indoors: 10-12" wide, 8-10" deep, 3 gallons; Outdoors: 10-12" wide, 10-12" deep, 3-5 gallons

Best Soil Mix

Strawberries love rich, well-draining potting mix with compost from kitchen scraps or well-rotted manure.

How to Add Fertilizer

Apply balanced fertilizer 10-10-10 in early spring and mid-summer. Organic options: compost, fish emulsion, bone meal. Regular fertilization promotes healthy plants and plentiful berries.

Growth Duration

Strawberries are ready for harvest 60-90 days after planting, or when the berries are fully colored and firm. Regular harvesting encourages more fruit.

How To Trim

Prune regularly to remove old leaves and runners. Consistent care helps maintain plant health and ensures a good yield of sweet, juicy strawberries.

Growing Challenges

Yellow Leaves: Ensure good drainage, moderate watering. Pests (Aphids): Spray with soapy water or neem oil. Wilting: Water consistently, avoid waterlogging. Slow Growth: Use balanced fertilizer. Diseases (Powdery Mildew): Improve air circulation, use fungicide.

Interesting Facts

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Blog
Strawberries

Strawberries

I have the secrets to cultivating juicy strawberries, no matter what type of urban space you have - hanging baskets off your balcony, a vertical planter on your rooftop, or even hydroponically indoors. Homegrown strawberries are often sweeter and you’ll know for sure no pesticides have touched your precious berries. If you only have indoor space, this is the best berry to grow.

Strawberries

Here are the essential Strawberries basics you need.

Sunlight Requirements

Strawberries need 6-8 hours of direct sunlight daily. Indoors: Can be grown in pots with bright light or hydroponically using grow lights for 12-14 hours.

Water Requirements

Keep soil consistently moist. Indoors, monitor soil moisture frequently; outdoors, water regularly, especially during hot weather. Mulching helps retain moisture.

Temperature Tolerance

Strawberries are perennial and love 60-80°F, ideally 65-75°F. Plant outdoors in early spring in NYC zone 7b. Warm days and cool nights enhance fruit flavor and yield.

Container Size

Indoors: 10-12" wide, 8-10" deep, 3 gallons; Outdoors: 10-12" wide, 10-12" deep, 3-5 gallons

Best Soil Mix

Strawberries love rich, well-draining potting mix with compost from kitchen scraps or well-rotted manure.

Fertilizing

Apply balanced fertilizer 10-10-10 in early spring and mid-summer. Organic options: compost, fish emulsion, bone meal. Regular fertilization promotes healthy plants and plentiful berries.

Growth Duration

Strawberries are ready for harvest 60-90 days after planting, or when the berries are fully colored and firm. Regular harvesting encourages more fruit.

How To Trim

Prune regularly to remove old leaves and runners. Consistent care helps maintain plant health and ensures a good yield of sweet, juicy strawberries.

Growing Challenges

Yellow Leaves: Ensure good drainage, moderate watering. Pests (Aphids): Spray with soapy water or neem oil. Wilting: Water consistently, avoid waterlogging. Slow Growth: Use balanced fertilizer. Diseases (Powdery Mildew): Improve air circulation, use fungicide.

The Many Varieties of Strawberries

There are around 10-15 varieties of arugula gardeners commonly grow. One of the perks of growing arugula at home is the opportunity to experiment with different varieties that you won't find at the grocery store.

You can get a variety pack with 8 types of basil here.

Do you have any questions or requests? I'm here to help!

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