Grow strawberries at home with simple tips

New Delhi: Strawberries can be grown easily at home. Homegrown fruits are healthier and chemical free. However, it needs little space. Strawberries flourish in cool to mildly cold weather. October and December are the best times to plant them, and the ideal temperature for their full growth should be between 18 and 25°C. Select the right time and season for the start of strawberry farming at home.

You need to choose the right pot and soil. The container should be around 12-15 inches deep and wide so that roots can spread easily. Make the soil by mixing two parts garden soil, one part sand, and one part organic compost. It would provide essential nutrients and ideal drainage for proper plant growth.

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Always purchase strawberry plants or seeds from reputed nurseries. Ensure that the soil has enough moisture before planting. Place the plants 8 to 10 inches apart so they have enough space to grow. After planting, water the soil lightly to keep it moist but not too wet.

Strawberry plants need 4 to 6 hours of sunlight daily, so place them in a sunny spot. Water them carefully—keep the soil slightly moist but avoid overwatering, as too much water can rot the roots. Add organic fertilizer once a month to provide essential nutrients. To protect the plants from pests, spray neem oil as a natural pesticide.

The fruit takes 60 to 90 days for its ripening. When strawberries become fully red, feel soft, and look juicy, then pluck it with care because it is delicate as well. Homegrown strawberries are more delicious, healthier, and give more satisfaction in their consumption.