Bushel and Berry® Strawberries perform best in a neutral soil with a pH of 5.5–6.5. The soil and location should be well-drained and in full sun. In regions with extreme heat, these varieties will perform best in afternoon shade to protect them from excessive heat.
All of the varieties in the Bushel and Berry® collection will thrive in containers, raised beds or in the ground for years of enjoyment! If you decide to plant your strawberry in a pot or hanging basket, we recommend choosing a container with good drainage that is at least 10–12” in diameter. Follow the planting and care instructions below for best results.
Plant In Container
Choose a container (10–12” in diameter and at least 8” deep is ideal).
Fill ⅔ of the container with regular potting soil.
Add plant to pot, gently loosening the roots of the plant.
Fill in soil around plant using regular potting soil.
Place plant in a sunny spot. It will need at least 6 hours of full sun each day.
Water the plant frequently, ensuring it stays moist but not overwatered.
Plant IN GROUND
Pick a sunny place to plant. All berry plants need at least 6 hours of full sun to produce berries.
Dig a hole slightly larger than the container. Work the soil at the bottom of the hole with your shovel so that it’s loose and aerated.
Remove the berry plant from its container. Use your hands to gently loosen the roots at the bottom of the plant.
Place your plant in the hole, making sure the base of it is level with the soil.
Add soil back to the hole around the plant. Crumble the soil so that it’s nice and aerated. If desired, mulch around the plant.
Water your plant thoroughly around the base, allowing it to soak in. Continue to water 2–3 times a week, ensuring that the plant stays moist but not overwatered.
FERTILIZING
Fertilizing your Bushel and Berry® plants is not necessary for them to grow and produce tasty berries, but it will help them to thrive. Fertilizing your strawberries in early summer and fall each year with a balanced fertilizer is ideal. Pick a fertilizer that contains Nitrogen, Phosphorous and Potassium with the same numbers and be sure to closely follow the product label instructions. Do not fertilize if the plant has flowers.
WATERING
The amount of water your plants need will depend on your climate, but generally, you want to make sure the plant has consistent moisture but isn’t overwatered. This usually means watering two to three times a week for plants in the landscape and daily for plants in containers.
Tip: Remember, plants and their roots in patio pots dry out faster than plants in-ground, especially on warm summer days. It's important to water potted plants daily. A good way to gauge your watering is to water until you see runoff coming out of the drainage holes.
PRUNING
After harvest, remove old leaves. To identify old leaves, look for leaves that have lost their glossy appearance and are turning yellow or brown. Remove runners throughout the season to encourage better fruit production. Runners are long, horizontal stems with a terminal cluster of leaves that will eventually form their own root system. Trim off runners back to the base of the plant.
WINTER CARE
Bushel and Berry® varieties require little winter maintenance and can usually be left outside during cold months. However, plants in decorative containers and planters are more at risk than plants in the ground. If your plants are in the ground, it’s a good idea to mulch heavily around the base and give them extra water.
If your plants are in decorative containers and you have harsh winter weather, insulating the plant or moving the container to an unheated garage or basement is a good idea. If you store your containers in the garage, remember to protect them from the winter temperatures that can come in as you open and close the door. Keep your containers inside until the threat of the last frost has passed (typically in early spring). While storing the berry plants inside, make sure to keep the soil moist but not soaked.