How to Grow Strawberries in North Dakota: A Comprehensive Guide

Strawberries are one of the most beloved fruits for home gardeners, offering sweet and juicy berries that can be enjoyed fresh, in jams, or desserts. Despite North Dakota’s short growing season and often harsh winters, growing strawberries is possible with proper planning, selection, and care. Here’s a guide to successfully growing strawberries in North Dakota.

1. Choosing the Right Strawberry Variety

North Dakota’s cold winters and short growing season require choosing cold-hardy, early-maturing varieties of strawberries. There are three main types of strawberries to consider:

  • June-bearing strawberries: These produce one large crop in early summer (typically late June). Varieties like ‘Honeoye’, ‘Jewel’, and ‘Cavendish’ are great for North Dakota due to their cold tolerance.

  • Everbearing strawberries: These produce two to three harvests per year, in spring and late summer/fall. ‘Fort Laramie’ is an excellent choice for colder climates.

  • Day-neutral strawberries: These can bear fruit continuously through the growing season, as long as the temperature is between 35°F and 85°F. Varieties like ‘Albion’ and ‘Seascape’ are productive in cooler environments.

2. Selecting the Right Location

Strawberries require full sun for at least 6-8 hours a day to thrive. Choose a site that has well-drained, sandy loam soil and is slightly acidic (with a pH of 5.5-6.5). Raised beds or mounded rows are excellent for improving drainage, which is crucial for preventing root rot.

It’s also important to avoid areas where nightshades (such as tomatoes, potatoes, or eggplants) have been grown in the last few years, as they can harbor diseases that affect strawberries.

3. Planting Strawberries

In North Dakota, it’s best to plant strawberries in the early spring, after the danger of frost has passed but while temperatures are still cool. Follow these steps for planting:

  • Prepare the soil: Loosen the soil to a depth of about 12 inches and incorporate organic matter like compost to improve fertility and drainage.

  • Space the plants: For June-bearing varieties, plant 18-24 inches apart in rows spaced 4 feet apart. Everbearing and day-neutral varieties can be planted 12 inches apart in rows that are 2-3 feet apart.

  • Plant at the correct depth: Ensure the crown (the point where roots and leaves meet) is just above the soil surface. Planting too deeply can cause the crown to rot, while planting too shallow can expose the roots.

4. Caring for Strawberries

Strawberries need consistent care, especially in North Dakota’s unpredictable climate.

  • Watering: Keep the soil evenly moist, especially during flowering and fruiting. Water early in the day to allow the foliage to dry before nightfall, which helps prevent fungal diseases.

  • Mulching: Apply a 2-3 inch layer of organic mulch, such as straw, pine needles, or shredded leaves, around the plants to conserve moisture, regulate soil temperature, and suppress weeds.

  • Fertilizing: Apply a balanced fertilizer (such as 10-10-10) after planting and again after harvesting. Be careful not to over-fertilize, as this can lead to excessive leaf growth at the expense of fruit production.

5. Protecting Strawberries from Frost and Cold

North Dakota’s climate poses the challenge of late spring frosts and early fall freezes. To protect strawberry plants:

  • Frost protection: If a frost is predicted, cover the plants with row covers or a light blanket to shield them from the cold.

  • Winter protection: As the growing season ends and temperatures drop below freezing, strawberries need extra protection. After the ground freezes (around late fall), mulch the plants with 4-6 inches of straw or leaves. This insulates the plants from winter cold and fluctuating temperatures, which can cause frost heaving.

6. Dealing with Pests and Diseases

Common pests in North Dakota that affect strawberries include slugs, aphids, and birds. Using floating row covers can help protect plants from pests while still allowing air and sunlight to reach them. Birds can be deterred by bird netting.

In terms of diseases, strawberries can be susceptible to fungal issues such as gray mold, powdery mildew, and leaf spot. Planting resistant varieties and ensuring good air circulation by spacing plants appropriately will help mitigate these problems. Additionally, avoid overhead watering, as wet foliage can encourage fungal growth.

7. Harvesting and Enjoying Strawberries

Once strawberries are ripe, they should be picked in the morning, when they are cool and firm. Ripe strawberries are red all over, with no white or green patches. Harvest strawberries every couple of days to ensure optimal quality and to prevent overripening on the plant.

After harvesting, strawberries can be eaten fresh, frozen, or turned into jams and preserves. They are best enjoyed within a few days for maximum flavor and sweetness.

8. Extending the Growing Season

If you’re looking to extend your strawberry season in North Dakota, consider using season-extending techniques such as high tunnels or cold frames. These structures can provide extra protection against frost and allow you to plant earlier in the spring and harvest later into the fall.

Conclusion

Growing strawberries in North Dakota requires attention to climate and planting details, but with proper planning and care, you can enjoy delicious, home-grown strawberries. Choosing cold-hardy varieties, planting in the right location, and protecting your plants from frost will reward you with a fruitful harvest each year. With a little patience and effort, you can turn your North Dakota garden into a strawberry haven!