How to Grow Strawberries in Virginia

Strawberries are a popular fruit to grow in Virginia due to the state’s favorable climate and soil conditions. With proper care, you can enjoy a bountiful harvest of sweet, juicy strawberries. Here’s a comprehensive guide on how to grow strawberries in Virginia.

1. Choosing the Right Strawberry Variety

Virginia’s climate allows for a variety of strawberries to thrive, but it’s essential to select the right variety for your needs and location. There are three main types of strawberries:

  • June-bearing: These strawberries produce one large crop per year, typically in late spring to early summer. Popular June-bearing varieties for Virginia include ‘Allstar,’ ‘Chandler,’ and ‘Jewel.’
  • Everbearing: Everbearing strawberries produce two to three smaller harvests, one in the spring, another in summer, and possibly one in the fall. Varieties such as ‘Ozark Beauty’ and ‘Quinault’ perform well in Virginia.
  • Day-neutral: These strawberries can produce fruit throughout the growing season as long as temperatures are moderate. ‘Albion’ and ‘Seascape’ are good day-neutral varieties for Virginia gardens.

2. Site Selection and Soil Preparation

Strawberries thrive in well-drained, loamy soil with a pH between 5.5 and 6.8. Virginia’s soil tends to vary, so testing your soil is important before planting. You can get soil test kits from local extension offices or garden centers.

  • Choose a sunny spot: Strawberries need full sun, at least 6-8 hours a day. In Virginia, aim for a location that is sheltered from strong winds.
  • Prepare the soil: Incorporate organic matter like compost or well-rotted manure into the soil to improve its fertility and drainage. Avoid areas where tomatoes, peppers, or eggplants have been planted recently, as they can carry diseases harmful to strawberries.

3. Planting Strawberries

In Virginia, it’s best to plant strawberries in early spring, typically from March to April, after the last frost has passed. Planting in the fall is also an option, allowing plants to establish roots before the cold season.

  • Spacing: Space strawberry plants about 12 to 18 inches apart in rows that are 2 to 3 feet apart. This provides enough room for growth and good air circulation, which helps prevent diseases.
  • Planting depth: When planting, ensure the crown of the strawberry plant (where the leaves meet the roots) is level with the soil surface. If planted too deeply, the crown may rot, while shallow planting can cause the roots to dry out.

4. Watering and Mulching

Strawberries require consistent moisture, especially during flowering and fruiting. Water regularly, providing about 1 to 1.5 inches of water per week.

  • Mulch: Applying mulch helps retain soil moisture, suppress weeds, and regulate soil temperature. In Virginia, mulch with straw, pine needles, or black plastic. Black plastic mulch can also help warm the soil in cooler parts of the state, promoting faster growth.

5. Fertilizing

Strawberries are heavy feeders, so fertilization is important for a healthy crop.

  • Before planting: Incorporate a balanced fertilizer (such as 10-10-10) into the soil.
  • After planting: Apply a light nitrogen fertilizer after planting and again in the fall. Avoid over-fertilizing, as too much nitrogen can lead to excessive leaf growth and reduce fruit production.

6. Pest and Disease Management

Strawberries in Virginia are susceptible to various pests and diseases, including:

  • Pests: Slugs, snails, aphids, and spider mites are common strawberry pests. Use organic methods like hand-picking or insecticidal soap to control infestations.
  • Diseases: Strawberries can suffer from fungal diseases like gray mold and powdery mildew. To prevent diseases, avoid overhead watering, and ensure proper spacing for good air circulation.

Rotating your strawberry patch every few years can help minimize the buildup of soil-borne diseases.

7. Harvesting

Strawberries are ready for harvest about 4 to 6 weeks after the flowers appear. In Virginia, this typically happens in late spring to early summer for June-bearing varieties.

  • Pick berries when they are fully red and ripe, as strawberries do not ripen after being harvested. Harvest in the morning when the berries are cool for the best flavor.

8. Winter Care

In Virginia, strawberries can survive winter if properly protected.

  • Mulching for winter: After the first frost, apply a 3 to 4-inch layer of straw or pine needles over the strawberry plants. This insulates the plants and prevents damage from freezing temperatures.

Conclusion

Growing strawberries in Virginia can be a rewarding experience with the right variety, proper site preparation, and ongoing care. By following these guidelines, you’ll enjoy a healthy and productive strawberry patch, providing delicious fruit for years to come. Whether you’re planting June-bearing or day-neutral varieties, the sweet taste of homegrown strawberries will make all your efforts worthwhile!