How to Grow Strawberries: Planting, Spacing, and Care

The main variety I sell is Honeoye. It is a vigorous, June-bearing strawberry variety known for producing large crops of attractive, firm berries. It is an early-season variety that typically begins producing in late spring or early summer. The berries are excellent for fresh eating, baking, jam, and preserving.

Honeoye plants produce abundant runners, making them a good choice for establishing a traditional strawberry bed. Given room to spread, a small number of plants can gradually fill in a larger planting. Honeoye is particularly valued for its productivity and vigor, although berry flavor can vary with growing conditions and tends to be best during cooler weather.

Bare-Root Planting:

When you receive your strawberries, they will be bare root, with no soil around the roots. This is normal and allows the plants to be shipped economically while dormant. The most important thing is to keep the roots moist until planting. If the roots appear dry when they arrive, soak them in water for 30–60 minutes before planting.

Plant as soon as reasonably possible after receiving them. Spread the roots out naturally in the planting hole and cover them with soil, making sure the crown remains at or just above the soil surface. Do not bury the crown, as this can cause the plant to rot. Water thoroughly after planting and keep the soil consistently moist while the plants become established.

Size / Spacing:

Honeoye strawberries remain relatively compact, generally reaching about 8–12 inches tall and spreading as they produce runners. For a traditional strawberry bed, space plants approximately 12–18 inches apart, with 3–4 feet between rows. Allow runners to root and fill in the row as the plants establish.

Site Preference:

Strawberries produce best in full sun with well-drained soil. Consistent moisture is important because strawberries have relatively shallow roots, particularly while plants are becoming established. Good air circulation is also beneficial for reducing disease problems. Avoid areas that remain wet or poorly drained.

Strawberries benefit from a layer of organic mulch such as clean straw. Mulch helps conserve moisture, suppress weeds, protect plants during winter, and keep developing berries off the soil.

Fruit Production:

Honeoye is a June-bearing variety, meaning it produces one main crop over a relatively short period rather than fruiting continuously throughout the growing season. The main harvest typically occurs in late spring or early summer, depending on weather and location.

For newly planted June-bearing strawberries, removing flowers during the first growing season can help the plants put more energy into establishing strong roots and producing runners. Once established, allow the plants to flower and fruit normally.

Pollination:

Strawberries are self-fertile and do not require a second variety for pollination. However, bees and other pollinating insects greatly improve pollination and fruit development. Growing strawberries in a sunny garden alongside other flowering plants can help attract pollinators.

Hardiness:

Honeoye is a winter-hardy perennial strawberry suitable for much of the northern and central United States. In colder climates, straw or another suitable mulch can be applied after the plants go dormant in late fall and pulled back in spring as growth resumes.