Strawberries Zone 6 Growing and Using

What is the best thing about June? Fresh strawberries, of course! Strawberries are easy to grow and provide an excellent yield for the amount of space.

Strawberries are easy to grow organically in zones 5 & 6 as long as you get them off to a good start and monitor for fungal issues. Strawberries are one of the first fruits to ripen in spring which makes them a great addition to your garden.

They fit well into small spaces, raised beds, and wildlife-friendly gardens. With the right planting time, soil care, and pest management, you can harvest fresh berries for several years from one planting.

This article will guide you through growing strawberries and I have lots of great ways to use strawberries and recipes.

Types of Strawberries

Strawberries are divided into two categories – June bearers and Everbearers. Both types end up producing about the same amount over a season.

June bearers

Produce an abundance of berries in the month of June. They produce a larger crop but in a shorter time period. June bearers are great for making jam and canning because you get a crop all at once.

June bearers come in early, mid, and late-season varieties. By planting some of each you can extend your season.

Early June bearers flowers are sensitive to cold. A late frost can kill the blossoms so cover them with garden fabric on any cold nights.

Everbearers and Day Neutral

These produce a medium crop in spring and another crop in late summer or early fall. Occasionally you will get a summer crop but many of them will not make flowers if the weather is above 85 degrees.

They are great for eating fresh and cooking. When you want a few strawberries to top oatmeal or ice cream everbearing strawberries are great.

Strawberries are self-pollinating. However, they will cross-pollinate if there is more than one variety close by. Cross-pollination often leads to bigger crops.

My Favorite Varieties

June Bearers

Earliglow

Earliglow continually gets awards for best-tasting berry and it is delicious. Medium-sized berries are very early. I often place a tunnel with garden fabric over mine since they start to blossom before the last frost, and I don’t want to lose any.

Earliglow is hardy and has good disease resistance. They hold up well in the freezer.  Resistant to red stele and verticillium wilt.

Jewel

Jewel is a mid-season large variety with superb flavor. A nice firm berry that is very winter hardy. Good freezing quality. I like them for jam. Low incidence of rots but not resistant to verticillium wilt.

Everbearers

Ozark Beauty

An everbearing variety the Ozark Beauty is tasty and hardy. It produces flushes of berries throughout the season. Large fruits. Does well in containers and strawberry planters for gardeners with small spaces.

San Andreas

This is a day-neutral berry that does well in my summer heat and humidity. It produces small flushes throughout the season. Wonderful flavor.

San Andreas produces fewer runners than many strawberry varieties so it’s more suited to row cultivation or growing in a raised bed.

Growing

Strawberries like full sun, lots of nutrition, and moist soil. They are perennials and will produce for several years although yield will start to diminish over time. I plant strawberries every year. That way I have new ones coming on and at the same time I remove non-productive plants.

They like rich soil. It’s best to prepare your bed the fall before planting. Till in lots of compost. If you are preparing your soil at least six months before planting, you can pile on fresh manure right from the barn and till under.

Before planting:

• Add compost or well-rotted manure

• Remove weeds and grass

• Work soil to about 8 to 10 inches deep

Zone 6 friends - If you have the typical heavy clay or poor soil of Zone 6 you can add greensand to help break up the soil and add nutrients.  Strawberries like slightly acid soil with a pH around 6.0. Test your soil and add amendments if necessary.

Read my article on soil testing. Pass the Test: Soil Testing For Improved Fertility

You can also place black plastic or landscaping fabric over the soil to kill emerging weeds.

Location

Since strawberries will be in the ground for several years, they need a spot where they are not in the way of your annual production. I like to have perennial garden areas. Strawberries, rhubarb, and asparagus all do well next to each other.

Starting

Strawberries are started from dormant plants and transplanted into your garden. Typically, you order strawberry plants in bunches of 25 plants. You can also purchase them at big box stores, but I do not recommend that as they have often not been handled well.

If you get your plants and you are not ready to plant, or the weather is not cooperating, you can place them in a bag and put them in the vegetable crisper in your refrigerator. Check to make sure the roots are not getting dried out and spray them with water if they do.

Planting Out

Pick a sunny location that's out of the way for your annuals. Strawberries do well in a dedicated perennial spot with rhubarb and asparagus. You can plant them directly in the soil or build them a raised bed. The advantage of the raised bed is that it allows the soil to drain after a heavy rain which the berries appreciate.

When you are ready to plant your dormant sets, remove any brown dead leaves and give the roots a good squirt of water. Sometimes the roots are very long. I trim roots to about five inches long. Spread the roots out so they aren’t clumped together.

Use a trowel to dig a hole and place the plant in the hole. Firmly press the soil around the roots.

It’s important to plant strawberries at the right depth. The crown should be level with the soil.

The crown should be level with the soil. The crown is where the plants meet the roots.

Planting Time in Zones 5 and 6

Strawberries are planted early in the growing season so they can establish strong roots before summer heat. Cover young plants with garden fabric at night if the temps go below freezing.

Zone 5: plant in early spring, usually April to early May

Zone 6: plant in early to mid-spring, often March to April

Ways To Plant

Matted Row

There are many philosophies about planting out strawberries. The main difference is if you want to let your strawberries propagate themselves by putting out runners. This is referred to as a matted row system. This is common for June-bearing. Space plants 18 to 24 inches apart.

Runners are vines that extend from the mother plant outwards. They typically have a couple of leaves and they “plant” themselves several inches from the mother plant.

These runners develop into plants that will produce berries. However, eventually, the mother plant dies. Even with the empty space she leaves, the bed becomes very crowded and yield diminishes. So every few years the gardener tills up the bed and starts again.

Conventional Row or Hill System

I used this method for years on my farm. It works great if you have a large patch. I plant my strawberries in a row with the plants twelve inches apart with sixteen inches between rows. I don’t let the plants make runners. Or when they do I trim them off.

You can plant these trimmed runners and grow them out for another bed. However, I’m not convinced they have the same hardiness and yield factor.

Check out my YouTube Channel for lots of organic gardening tips and information about local wildlife.

Raised Beds

Since moving to the suburbs to live with my family I need to be more space conscious. I’m now growing strawberries in raised beds. Raised beds improve drainage, which is one of the most important factors for growing healthy strawberries. Strawberries do not tolerate soggy soil, and excess moisture leads to root rot and fungal diseases.

Strawberries like each other so you can plant them relatively close. For a raised bed plant about eight to twelve inches apart. Or 4 per square if you're doing square foot garden method.

In addition, raised beds make it easier to manage spacing, runners, and mulching, which leads to cleaner fruit and fewer pest problems. The height of the bed can also reduce strain on your back, which if you are getting older like me that matters!

Containers

Strawberries are a great crop for urban landscapes and those short on space. They readily grow in containers and barrels and look great in a hanging planter. There are many containers that are made just for strawberries. Day-neutral strawberries are the best choice for containers.

• Use well-drained potting mix

• Ensure containers have drainage holes

• Water more often than garden beds

• Protect containers in winter, roots are more exposed to cold

Seeds

You can start strawberries from seeds however, they won’t bear fruit till the following season. The advantages are less disease and hardy plants.

To start from seed, you will need to first expose seeds to cold air. Simply place the seeds in a freezer bag and put them in the freezer for three weeks. This makes them think winter has occurred.

After they have reached room temperature you can sow them in a planting tray. Press seeds into some moist starter mix and place in a warm growing room under lights.  Don’t cover the seeds as they need light to germinate. This will take two to three weeks so be patient.

Transfer them to four-inch pots after they have three leaves. Once the spring weather has stabilized and you are out of frost danger you can transplant outside.

Check out my new book on Amazon! Part of my Growing in Zone 6 Series. Covers 16 fruit trees, berries and perennial veggies!

Remove Those Blossoms the First Spring

Ok – I will tell you that I flunk at this every time I plant new berries.

In theory, you should remove the blossoms on new plants. This gives the plants time to grow and get well established. Therefore they will make bigger fruits.

However, I never remember to do that chore and before I know it, I have baby berries growing and I can’t remove them! So, what do I do? I give my strawberry plants a nice drink of fish emulsion, pick off some flowers that are present, and let the young fruits keep growing.

Strawberries as Annuals

Many commercial farmers raise strawberries as annuals. The typical first-year yield is one pound per plant. After that, the yield diminishes and the strawberries are more prone to disease.

Growing them as annuals gives you many advantages. You can have them in your regular garden rotation. (Don’t have strawberries follow the tomato family). This method also keep diseases from building up.

For Zone 6 friends you can also plant strawberries in fall. When you plant them in the fall the plants will have plenty of time to get established. Strawberries are daylight sensitive so when planted in September they will put energy into the root system. They will not make blossoms. This helps create a hardy plant.

Mulch them heavily over the winter. Then in spring pull back the mulch. The berries will be ready to make sweet large fruits.

Photo by Mariah Hewines

Mulch

Strawberries need mulch. You can use straw, wood chips, or landscaping fabric. The reason for mulching is so that soil doesn't get on the berry or the plant. Strawberries are susceptible to many soil-borne pathogens and using mulch will help prevent diseases.

Strawberries do not like weeds (who does?). They have a shallow root system and don’t compete well with other plants.

Mulching strawberries will reduce weeds and keep the soil from drying out as fast. Mulching them under several inches of straw in the winter will protect them from the cold.

Water

Strawberries like to be moist. This is especially important from blossom to harvest.

A drip irrigation system works well. Don’t water strawberries from above as this can encourage fungus and molds to grow and spread.

Pests

Strawberries are prone to numerous pests which you can avoid with good organic care. Talk to your local extension office to find out what problems are common in your area. Then you can purchase varieties with resistance to them.

Strawberries can share diseases with the tomato family and roses. Surprise! They are closely related to roses and apples. So, don’t plant them before or after those crops.

White Grubs

Grubs will dine on the plant’s root system which causes poor growth. They are especially popular in areas that had been grass or fields prior to having a garden patch.

Till your soil in fall to expose overwintering eggs to the cold. If you have chickens let them on the soil to dig up and eat the grubs.

Strawberries are prone to powdery mildew. There is also a free download in the website store about preventing mildews

Fungus

Strawberries are prone to fungal diseases specifically gray and brown mold. Make sure to plant at least twelve inches apart to allow for good air circulation. Don’t water from above. Use drip irrigation.

Leaf Beetle

There are many species of leaf beetles including the strawberry leaf beetle. As adults, these insects devour the leaves of your plants. As larvae in the soil, they eat the roots. Beetles overwinter so fall tilling and using poultry can dramatically reduce populations.

Root Disease

Black rot and Verticillium wilt are common in some areas.

Weeds

Weeds are a pest especially grasses that grow up and can reduce yield. Geese have been used commercially for centuries to weed berry patches. Unlike chickens who like to dig for grubs, geese prefer to graze.

If you have a commercial crop you might consider about three geese per acre. Often the white Chinese geese breed is recommended. However, I find these geese to be mean, even by goose standards.

All geese seem to have a chip on their shoulder, but I like the Pilgrim Geese for a good all-around homestead goose.

Goober Goose at Fox Run

Songbirds

Some species of birds eat berries naturally in their diet.  If your local birds have decided to make a feast in your strawberry garden, then you need to protect your plants.

You can easily do this by covering the plants with deer netting. Yes, deer netting not bird netting. Bird netting is very flimsy and will just get torn and tangled and is dangerous for wild animals. Deer netting is a heavier weight and will last longer.

In addition, you can choose to share some with the local birds by just covering half the bed. Turtles also love berries.  Keep in mind that songbirds eat many of the slugs and caterpillars that may damage your fruit.

Create a space for you and wildlife

Make your yard beautiful and beneficial for pollinators, birds, frogs and more!

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Harvesting

When you harvest your berries do not just grasp the berry and pull. That can damage your plants. Grasp the strawberry close to the stem, twist gently, and then give a gentle tug. That way the cap remains on the berry and the stem will regrow.

Strawberries have a short window of perfection. Once they are ripe, they will hold on the plant for a couple of days.

Health Benefits

In addition to the fantastic taste, strawberries have many great qualities. They are the first fruit of the season and the quickest fruit to produce from planting to eating. Strawberries are also very nutritious and are loaded with vitamin C and antioxidants.

Enjoy Your Strawberries - Recipes

Our domestic strawberries were cultivated from the wild ones that grew throughout North America and Europe. Native Americans mixed wild strawberries with cornmeal to flavor the bread. European settlers expanded that idea into strawberry shortcake.

There are many ways to use strawberries. They are great added to so many things. A few strawberries liven up morning oatmeal or French Toast. Check out my list of strawberry dishes.

1. Strawberry Salad:

• Toss sliced strawberries with mixed greens, goat cheese, walnuts, and a balsamic vinaigrette for a refreshing salad. Strawberries pair well with spinach and young greens. They are also delicious with oranges on top of cottage cheese.  Strawberry Spinach Salad is great: Combine strawberries with spinach, almonds, feta cheese, and a poppy seed dressing.

  2. Strawberry Smoothies:

• Blend strawberries with yogurt, milk, and a touch of honey for a nutritious smoothie.

One of my favorites! Homemade strawberry milkshakes. Photo by Denis Tuksar

3. Strawberry Rhubarb Jam Recipe

This is my all-time favorite. I have fond memories of making this jam with my father. I had to stand on the kitchen stool to help. Below is an easy, basic recipe that you can make with your family!

Strawberry Rhubarb Jam (Small Batch, Water Bath Canning Option)

Ingredients

• 3 cups strawberries, hulled and crushed

• 2 cups rhubarb, finely chopped

• 4 cups sugar

• 2 tablespoons lemon juice

Instructions

• Prep the fruit
  Wash strawberries and rhubarb well. Remove strawberry tops and crush them. Chop rhubarb into small pieces so it cooks evenly.

• Combine ingredients
  In a large pot, add strawberries, rhubarb, sugar, and lemon juice. Stir well.

• Cook the jam
  Bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat. Stir often to prevent sticking.
  Once boiling, continue cooking for about 15–20 minutes. The mixture will thicken as water cooks off.

• Check for doneness
  Place a small spoonful on a cold plate. If it gels and wrinkles slightly when pushed, it is ready. If not, cook a few more minutes and test again.

• Jar the jam
  Pour hot jam into clean, sterilized jars, leaving about 1/4 inch headspace. Wipe rims and apply lids.

• Process (optional but recommended for shelf storage)
  Process jars in a boiling water bath for 10 minutes. Adjust time if you are at higher elevation.

• Cool and store
  Let jars cool undisturbed for 12–24 hours. Check seals before storing.
  Store sealed jars in a cool, dark place. Refrigerate after opening.

My strawberry rhubarb jam. YUM!

  7. Strawberry Muffins:

• Fold chopped strawberries into muffin batter for a fruity twist.

  8. Strawberry Pancakes:

  • Add sliced strawberries to pancake batter or serve them on top with syrup.

  9. Strawberry Scones:

  • Incorporate strawberries into scone dough for a sweet breakfast treat.

  10. Strawberry Lemonade:

  • Mix mashed strawberries with lemon juice and sugar, then mix with water for a refreshing drink.

  11. Strawberry Cocktails:

  • Muddle strawberries with mint, lime, and your choice of spirit for a fruity cocktail.

    
    

Strawberry Basil Smash Cocktail

Great for a spring backyard dinner!

Strawberry Basil Smash

• Ingredients (1 drink)

• 3–4 fresh strawberries, sliced

• 3–4 fresh basil leaves

• 1 ounce simple syrup (or honey syrup)

• 1 ounce fresh lemon juice

• 2 ounces bourbon or gin

• Ice

• Splash of soda water (optional)

• Instructions

  1. Muddle
     In a glass or shaker, add strawberries, basil, and simple syrup. Gently mash to release juices and oils.

  2. Add liquid
     Pour in lemon juice and alcohol.

  3. Shake
     Add ice and shake for about 15 seconds.

  4. Strain and serve
     Strain into a glass filled with ice.

  5. Finish
     Add a splash of soda water if you want it lighter. Garnish with a strawberry or basil leaf.
     

Dehydrate

Dried fruit makes a great snack but boy is it expensive. What to do with that glut of Juneberries?

Dehydrate them for snacks.

First, remove the hulls. Next slice the berries. Lay them so they are not touching on your trays.

Follow the directions for your dehydrator. Mine takes about six or seven hours to completely dry.

Also, I’m not very good at slicing mine the same size. So, I pick out ones that are done and let the thicker ones go a bit longer.

Store them in an airtight glass or plastic container labeled with the date.

Freeze

Another great way to preserve your strawberries is to freeze them.

Begin by removing the hulls. You can leave the berries whole or cut them in half. Spread the strawberries single layer, not touching on a cookie sheet. Place the cookie sheet in the freezer.

Once frozen take them out and put them inside plastic freezer bags with the date on them. Then place the bags back into the freezer.

Just a Word if Your Purchasing Strawberries

You may not have enough strawberries for your needs (wants). Going to a farmer’s market is the next best thing.

Be sure you ask the farmer about their growing practices. Strawberries are on the top ten dirty list for pesticide residue.

The same applies for a pick your own farm. Seek out one that uses organic or at least sustainable methods.

Whiten Your Teeth!

Strawberries contain a substance called malic acid that naturally removes stains. Mix in ½ teaspoon of baking powder with one smashed berry. Brush your teeth for several minutes.

Use caution and just do this twice a month. Malic acid is strong and too much can be detrimental to tooth enamel.

Author, Ame Vanorio, is the director of Fox Run Environmental Education Center, and has been gardening organically and selling produce since she was 16 (that’s almost 45 years!) Check out Ame’s books here.