Strawberry in April: monthly care

Strawberries thrive in full sun and need at least six hours of direct sunlight daily to produce a good crop. Choose a site with well-drained loam or sandy soil; heavy clay should be improved with plenty of organic matter and grit to prevent waterlogging, which encourages root rot. The ideal soil pH is slightly acidic, around 6.0–6.5. Plant bare-root runners or pot-grown plants from March through to May, once the risk of hard frost has passed. If you're planting bare-root stock, soak the roots in water for an hour before planting. Dig a hole wide enough to spread the roots comfortably, and position the crown—the point where roots meet stems—exactly at soil level. Planting too deep causes the crown to rot; too shallow and the roots dry out. Space plants 30 cm apart in rows, with 60–75 cm between rows to allow for runners and easy picking. If you're growing in containers, use pots at least 30 cm wide with drainage holes, filled with multipurpose compost mixed with a little grit. Water thoroughly immediately after planting to settle the soil around the roots, then keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged during the first few weeks while plants establish. Apply a 5 cm layer of straw or well-rotted compost around the plants (but not touching the crowns) to suppress weeds, retain moisture, and keep developing fruit clean. Remove any flowers that appear in the first six weeks after planting to encourage strong root development rather than premature fruiting.

Strawberries have moderate water needs but are sensitive to both drought and waterlogging. Water regularly during flowering and fruiting—from April through July—keeping the soil consistently moist but not saturated. Aim for about 2.5 cm of water per week, either from rainfall or irrigation. Water at the base of plants early in the day to keep foliage dry and reduce the risk of fungal diseases like grey mould (botrytis). In autumn and winter, reduce watering; established plants need little supplemental water once dormant. Feed in April and May with a balanced general-purpose fertiliser, or better still, a high-potash tomato feed once flowers appear to encourage fruiting. Scatter granular feed around plants according to packet instructions, or apply liquid feed every two weeks. Avoid high-nitrogen fertilisers, which promote leafy growth at the expense of fruit. Strawberries are fully hardy in temperate Europe and need no special winter protection in the ground. Mulch around plants with straw or compost in late autumn to suppress weeds and protect crowns from severe frost. Container-grown plants are more vulnerable; move pots against a sheltered wall or wrap in fleece during hard freezes. Common pests include slugs, which adore ripening fruit—use beer traps, copper tape, or organic pellets. Aphids can spread virus diseases; squash them or spray with soapy water. Grey mould thrives in damp conditions; ensure good spacing and air circulation, and remove affected fruit immediately. Powdery mildew occasionally appears on leaves in dry spells; water well and remove affected foliage. Replace plants every three to four years to maintain health and productivity.

Strawberries have moderate water needs but are sensitive to both drought and waterlogging. Water regularly during flowering and fruiting—from April through July—keeping the soil consistently moist but not saturated. Aim for about 2.5 cm of water per week, either from rainfall or irrigation. Water at the base of plants early in the day to keep foliage dry and reduce the risk of fungal diseases like grey mould (botrytis). In autumn and winter, reduce watering; established plants need little supplemental water once dormant. Feed in April and May with a balanced general-purpose fertiliser, or better still, a high-potash tomato feed once flowers appear to encourage fruiting. Scatter granular feed around plants according to packet instructions, or apply liquid feed every two weeks. Avoid high-nitrogen fertilisers, which promote leafy growth at the expense of fruit. Strawberries are fully hardy in temperate Europe and need no special winter protection in the ground. Mulch around plants with straw or compost in late autumn to suppress weeds and protect crowns from severe frost. Container-grown plants are more vulnerable; move pots against a sheltered wall or wrap in fleece during hard freezes. Common pests include slugs, which adore ripening fruit—use beer traps, copper tape, or organic pellets. Aphids can spread virus diseases; squash them or spray with soapy water. Grey mould thrives in damp conditions; ensure good spacing and air circulation, and remove affected fruit immediately. Powdery mildew occasionally appears on leaves in dry spells; water well and remove affected foliage. Replace plants every three to four years to maintain health and productivity.