Strawberries are hardy plants, but winter can still challenge their survival and productivity. Proper winter care—including mulching, watering, and renovation—protects crowns, preserves soil moisture, reduces disease, and ensures vigorous growth in spring. Drawing on decades of gardening experience in both Sonoma Valley and Iowa Zone 5, I’ve developed practical strategies for strawberry winter care that…
Growing strawberries has been one of the most satisfying and sweet parts of my gardening life. Over the years, I’ve cultivated strawberries in raised beds, mounded rows, and containers—experimenting with varieties and techniques to get the best possible harvest from my backyard. Whether you’re a first-time grower or a seasoned gardener, this pillar post will…
Having grown strawberries in both coastal and inland gardens over the years, I’ve seen firsthand how dramatically climate impacts success. In cooler northern regions, cold-hardy cultivars like ‘Sparkle’ and ‘Honeoye’ have consistently bounced back from late frosts and delivered strong early-summer harvests. Meanwhile, in my warmer Zone 9 garden, day-neutral varieties such as ‘Seascape’ and…
Over the years, I’ve planted strawberries in everything from raised beds to hanging pots, and if there’s one thing I’ve learned—it’s that timing makes all the difference. I’ve had seasons where seedlings flourished into lush, fruit-heavy plants, and others where poor timing led to stunted growth and disappointing yields. Whether you’re growing from seeds, crowns,…
Growing strawberries in containers has become one of my favorite ways to enjoy fresh fruit without sacrificing garden space. Whether you’re working with a small patio, balcony, or just want a low-maintenance setup, container gardening is both efficient and rewarding. After a few seasons of experimenting, here’s what I’ve learned and recommend to make the…
Growing strawberries is one of the most rewarding parts of my garden, but it doesn’t come without challenges. Over the years, I’ve battled gray mold, slugs, crown borers, and more—and learned some hard lessons along the way. If you’re looking to protect your strawberry patch and keep your plants productive, here’s a detailed guide to…
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