There is nothing quite like the sweet juiciness of a fresh-picked strawberry on a warm summer’s day. Growing strawberries in your garden is an incredibly rewarding and surprisingly beginner-friendly process. You can grow strawberries in hanging baskets, patio containers, raised garden beds, or even as a trailing groundcover.
Once they’re established, strawberry plants are easy to take care of and eager to keep producing all season long, and even for many years to come. Strawberries from the store are also very expensive and may be contaminated with pesticides, which is another reason to grow your own.
But if you’ve ever looked into how to plant strawberries, you may have learned that they are very different from other vegetable and fruit starts. The cheapest and most common way to propagate strawberries is from “bare root” crowns.
Bare root strawberries look like alien roots that have died, but they are actually great planting material for making the best strawberry patch you’ve ever had. The only problem is that many people don’t know the right way to plant and store bare root strawberries.
I’ve grown strawberries from bare root crowns on more than ten different organic farms, so I can promise you that it’s not nearly as hard as it might look. Let’s dig into all the strawberry details!.
One of the joys of spring is looking forward to juicy, sun-ripened strawberries fresh from your garden If you planted bare root crowns, the anticipation builds as those first green sprouts emerge from the soil. But what if weeks go by after planting and your strawberry patch shows no signs of life? Lack of growth is frustrating, but often easily fixed
When bare root strawberries fail to grow after planting, there are a few key factors to investigate. Pinpointing the cause allows you to get your plants back on track for a berry-filled summer. In this article, we’ll explore the top reasons bare root strawberries may not be growing and what you can do to help them thrive
Common Causes of Lack of Growth
If your bare root strawberry crowns were healthy when planted but now show little progress, these issues may be to blame:
-
Incorrect planting depth – Crowns buried too deep can rot. Too shallow leads to dried out roots.
-
Underwatering – Strawberries are thirsty! Drought stress inhibits growth.
-
Overwatering – Excess moisture suffocates roots and encourages diseases.
-
Compacted or poor soil – Strawberries need loose, fertile, well-draining soil to flourish.
-
Cold weather – Chilling temps and frost can shock newly planted crowns.
-
Sunlight deficiency – At least 6 hours of direct sun daily is vital for fruiting.
-
Diseases or pests – Undetected problems like mold, mildew, or slugs can damage plants.
-
Old/rotted crowns – Weakened bare roots sometimes fail to establish.
-
Early leaf removal – Picking off leaves cuts off the plant’s food supply.
Take a close look at your individual growing conditions to pinpoint what factors may be inhibiting your strawberry growth.
Evaluating Your Care Practices
The first place to start troubleshooting is by taking an honest assessment of your care routine since planting. Strawberries require attentive nurturing in their early stages. Reflect on these key areas:
Watering habits – Have you been watering deeply 2-3 times per week? Or allowing plants to dry out too long? Proper soil moisture is critical for establishment.
Sun exposure – Are plants getting sufficient direct sun each day? At least 6 hours is best for fruit production and growth.
Soil quality – Does the bed have adequate compost mixed in? Heavy clay or sandy soils won’t nurture plants well. Test drainage too.
Fertilizing – Have you provided any balanced organic fertilizer or compost tea? Young strawberries need feeding.
Pest monitoring – Look closely for signs of slugs, snails, birds, or other critters damaging new growth.
Disease prevention – Are you practicing crop rotation and sanitation to prevent fungal/bacterial problems?
Chilling conditions – Were plants exposed to any unexpected frosts or cold weather? Young plants can’t tolerate it.
Addressing deficiencies in care is often the easiest fix to get your strawberries thriving. Consistent moisture, sun, nutrition and pest prevention are vital!
Digging Up and Examining Roots
If you’ve ruled out care issues, the next step is to gently dig up one or two struggling strawberry plants to inspect the root system and crown. Use a garden fork to loosen the soil and lift them out. Brush soil away from the roots and look for these signs:
Rotted roots or crown – Dark brown, mushy, foul smelling decay indicates disease set in. Toss out affected plants to prevent spread.
No new white roots – Healthy white feeder roots should be visible. Their absence signals plant stress.
Buried crown – If the crown is more than 2/3 buried, growth will be stunted. Replant at proper depth.
Exposed crown – If the crown is above soil level, roots will dry out. Bury crown slightly deeper.
J-shaped roots – Stunted plants may have incorrectly looped roots. Straighten and replant.
Chewing damage – Slugs, snails, or insects may have nibbled away roots and leaves. Apply bait or traps.
Closely examining strawberry roots gives clarity whether the plant is viable or needs replacing. You can then remedy planting issues.
Providing Ideal Growing Conditions
If your strawberry crowns check out as healthy, another aspect to reassess is whether you are providing optimal growing conditions. Strawberries thrive when given these key elements:
-
Loose, loamy soil – Amend native soil with compost to improve texture and nutrition.
-
Sunny location – At least 6-8 hours of direct sun is ideal. Morning sun is especially important.
-
Proper spacing – Allow 12-18 inches between plants so air circulates freely.
-
Timely watering – Soak soil deeply 2-3 times per week, avoiding overhead watering.
-
Wind protection – Add row cover barriers if plants are exposed to drying winds.
-
Frost protection – Cover plants when cold snaps threaten. New growth can’t tolerate freezing.
-
Even moisture – Use drip irrigation or soaker hoses. Inconsistent watering stresses plants.
-
Weed control – Remove competing weeds stealing water and nutrients. Mulch to smother.
Taking steps to modify growing conditions gives struggling strawberries the best chance to rebound.
Taking Preventative Measures
While you troubleshoot existing problems, also make note of strategies to prevent bare root strawberry issues in the future:
-
Carefully inspect crowns upon arrival for any signs of mold, rot, or damage.
-
Store and plant crowns promptly to avoid deterioration in storage.
-
Soak roots in water or compost tea solution to rehydrate before planting.
-
Prepare growing beds weeks ahead by amending soil and eliminating weeds.
-
Follow planting depth instructions precisely to avoid crown issues.
-
Water newly planted crowns daily until roots establish (about 4 weeks).
-
Monitor for pests like slugs that feed on new growth. Remove them promptly.
-
Cover plants when frost threatens so tender foliage isn’t damaged.
-
Apply organic balanced fertilizer or compost tea once every 2-3 weeks after planting.
With extra care taken at planting time and attentive early maintenance, you can help bare roots establish more successfully.
Taking Action to Revive Struggling Strawberry Plants
Hope is not lost for underperforming strawberries! Depending on the extent of the issues, here are some reviving actions to take:
-
Clear out any diseased or pest-ridden plants so they don’t infect others.
-
For plants with rotted crowns, prune away the dead crown and hope new growth emerges from the roots.
-
Gently loosen compacted soil surrounding plants and top-dress with compost.
-
Address planting depth issues by replanting crowns at the proper depth.
-
Move pots or beds to a sunnier location. Even adding a few hours more sun can make a difference.
-
Make adjustments to improve drainage and amend soil if too heavy or nutrient deficient.
-
Build protective cold frames or tunnels over plants if weather is impeding growth.
-
Rule out thirst – give distressed plants a heavy soak and install drip irrigation.
With some TLC and troubleshooting, most stressed strawberries can bounce back surprisingly well!
Establishing a Healthy Crop Moving Forward
Getting bare root strawberries successfully established does take some patience and diligence. But the reward of juicy homegrown berries is well worth the effort. Follow these tips for healthy plantings:
Pick resistant varieties – Choose disease-resistant cultivars suitable for your region. ‘Albion’ and ‘Seascape’ are great choices.
Start with clean soil – Eliminate weeds and diseases by solarizing beds beforehand.
Give plants space – Avoid overcrowding. Allow airflow and sun penetration.
Monitor soil health – Test pH yearly and amend soil to maintain optimal nutrients.
Control pests – Use row covers, organic sprays, and traps to prevent slug/snail damage.
Rotate crops – Move strawberry beds every 3 years to minimize disease carryover.
Renew mulch – Replenish compost or straw mulch around plants each year.
Stay on top of maintenance – Address issues promptly to avoid cascading problems.
With preventative care and quick action when challenges arise, you can gain confidence growing bountiful bare root strawberries. Patience and persistence pay off!
Frequently Asked Questions About Bare Root Strawberries Not Growing Well
If your bare root strawberry plants are struggling, you likely have lots of questions about what may be going wrong and how to get them back on track. Here are some common FAQs:
Why are my strawberry leaves turning brown or yellow?
Discolored leaves can indicate overwatering, disease, compacted soil, or nutritional deficiencies. Improve drainage, treat disease, or amend soil condition to help.
Should I remove flowers on first-year strawberry plants?
It’s best to pinch off any buds and flowers for the first 4-6 weeks after planting new bare roots. This allows plants to focus energy on establishing roots before fruiting.
What should I do if my strawberry crowns are mushy?
Rotting crowns signal crown rot disease. Remove and discard affected plants immediately. Improve soil drainage for replacements.
How can I boost growth on stunted strawberry plants?
Nourish stressed plants with compost tea every 2-3 weeks. Ensure adequate sun, space, and soil rich in organic matter to support growth.
Why do my strawberry leaves keep turning red?
Reddening leaves are usually a sign of stress from too much sun, heat, or drought conditions. Provide plants with afternoon shade and consistent moisture.
Don’t get discouraged if your strawberry patch gets off to a slow start – a bit of TLC can get bare roots back on track for fruitful harvests in no time!
Final Thoughts on Reviving Lackluster Bare Root Strawberries
It’s natural to feel disappointed when eagerly awaited bare root strawberry plants fail to take off and grow as expected. But there are almost always solutions to set struggling strawberries right.
By methodically evaluating potential issues with soil conditions, planting practices, care routines, and environmental factors, you can diagnose what is inhibiting the plants. Then simple interventions like adjusting soil depth, providing support structures, amending soil, or boosting nutrients often make quick improvements.
Monitor plants closely and respond promptly when you notice any stunting or decline. With attentive care, most bare root strawberries can rebound surprisingly well even if they get off to a poor start. Just show them some patience and a little extra TLC.
Before you know it, vibrant green foliage and sweet red berries will replace those pitiful stunted plants. Don’t lose hope! With the right troubleshooting and care regimen, you can still end up with a thriving strawberry patch this season.
Preparing Planting Beds or Pots
Strawberry beds should have a lot of compost or leaves that have broken down added to the soil and then raked clean. Strawberries prefer a rich well-drained soil that is slightly acidic. Use a tape measure to mark off at least one square foot of space per plant. Some gardeners prefer 18” between plants for maximum airflow.
Strawberry plants need at least 6 inches of depth in a container or pot so they have room to grow roots. Hanging baskets work great for a beautiful edible display of berries.
How Are Strawberries Propagated?
Unlike the majority of our garden crops, strawberries are propagated asexually, or vegetatively. For example, kale, spinach, and carrots are grown from seeds, but these plants are less likely to do so.
Instead, strawberry plants are reproduced by cloning, which makes baby plants that are genetically identical to the mother plant. Once you have strawberries in your garden, you will see that they do this on their own by sending out “runners” called stolons all the time. New plants can root and grow in the ground at the end of these stolons. This lets strawberry patches spread in the wild.
For plant production, nurseries will dig up these strawberry plants when they are dormant and keep them in fridges until the spring, when they are ready to ship. This is technically “vegetative” propagation material. There was no sexual pollination of flowers or seeds planted from the fruit. Garlic, potatoes, and sweet potatoes are also propagated by vegetative reproduction instead of true seeds.
