Turning Strawberry Plants into Gorgeous, Edible Groundcovers

Gardeners are always looking for easy-care solutions to beautify their outdoor spaces Why not consider turning strawberry plants into lush, trailing groundcovers that also produce sweet, homegrown berries? The creeping nature of certain strawberry varieties allows them to spread readily to form attractive living carpets. With modest care, they can cover barren slopes, fill in gaps between pavers, and cascade charmingly over walls or planter edges Keep reading to discover how strawberry plants can reinvent your landscape with their edible greenery.

Choosing the Best Strawberry Varieties for Groundcovers

While most commercially grown strawberries form a compact bush, some spread vigorously via runners (stolons) and work perfectly spilling artistically over the ground. Prime picks include:

• Alpine strawberries – Tiny fruits on compact plants that spread rapidly. Tolerates partial shade.

• Beach strawberries – Handsome dark leaves and vigorous spreading make nice woodland groundcovers

• Wild strawberries – Easy to grow native strawberries with tasty berries. Ideal for full sun areas.

• Evergreen strawberries – Cold hardy variety with glossy foliage that fills in quickly.

Select runner types suited to your climate and site conditions. Alpines and wild berries thrive in zones 3-10 while beach strawberries suit zones 5-9. Talk to your local nursery for the best regional variety.

Preparing the Planting Site

Strawberries perform best in a sunny or lightly shaded spot with well-drained fertile soil. Enhance problematic sites:

• Loosen compacted clay and mix in compost to improve drainage and nutrients.

• For poor soil, amend with aged manure or compost before planting.

• If the site is soggy, consider building up planting rows or beds. Good drainage is key.

• Remove weeds which will compete for water and nutrients as the strawberry groundcover gets established.

Taking time to create an optimal growing environment helps the strawberry plants settle in and spread.

Planting the Strawberries

It’s simple to establish strawberry groundcovers:

• Purchase young bare-root plants or potted specimens in early spring. Local nurseries have the best selection.

• Space plants 12-18 inches apart in rows or a staggered pattern. Closer for quick fill-in, farther apart for easier care.

• Dig a hole slightly larger than the root ball and set plants at the same level they were growing in the nursery.

• Backfill soil and water thoroughly. Add mulch around plants to conserve moisture.

• Remove any blooms the first year so plants direct energy into developing strong roots and runners.

With a little planning, you’ll soon have strawberries happily blanketing the chosen area.

Caring for the Spreading Strawberry Patch

Use these organic care tips to keep your living strawberry groundcover looking great:

• Water 1-2 inches per week, adjust for rainfall. Use soaker hoses or drip irrigation to keep foliage dry.

• Weed weekly to prevent competition, especially the first year. Mulch to smother weeds.

• Fertilize monthly with a balanced organic formula, or use compost tea.

• Prune off old leaves and trim back runners to reinvigorate plants every few years.

• Protect plants from harsh winter cold with a loose straw mulch layer.

• Divide overcrowded patches every 2-3 years to rejuvenate. Replant extras to expand or share.

With attentive care, the strawberry groundcover remains lush, vigorous, and productive for many years.

Harvesting the Berries

The payoff for using strawberries as groundcovers is enjoying homegrown berries:

• Pick berries when fully ripe for best flavor. Leave some for wildlife to enjoy.

• Harvest every 2-3 days during peak season. Gently pinch berries off without pulling on plants.

• Use immediately, store briefly in refrigerator, freeze extras to extend enjoyment.

• Remove old berries promptly to discourage pests and disease.

• Clear away fallen debris after harvest season ends to keep plants clean.

Letting some berries go to seed will produce adorable strawberry seedlings nearby to transplant or share.

Troubleshooting Common Strawberry Groundcover Problems

Watch for these potential issues and take corrective action:

• Leaves chewed or plants pulled up – Protect from birds/squirrels with netting.

• Berries mushy gray – Remove to prevent spread of gray mold disease. Improve airflow.

• Spotted leaves or dried fruits – Treat early signs of fungal disease. Prune off affected parts.

• Straw-colored leaves, stunted plants – Indicators of root weevils. Apply beneficial nematodes.

• Poor flowering and growth – Thin crowded plants and fertilize to invigorate.

With prompt troubleshooting, your strawberry groundcover will continue thriving season after season.

Turning strawberry plants into an edible living groundcover adds beauty, visual interest, and garden-fresh berries to your landscape. The plants require little work beyond routine care while generously blanketing the chosen area with charming foliage and fruits. Give strawberry groundcovers a try this year!