When you’re looking to kick off your spring garden with a sweet, homegrown touch, strawberry plants are a classic choice for folks who want to enjoy juicy berries right from their own backyard. Whether you’re a seasoned gardener or just getting your boots muddy for the first time, picking out the right strawberry plants for spring planting can make all the difference come harvest time. Around January, it’s the perfect season to start planning, since bare-root crowns and potted plants are hitting the shelves as soon as the soil starts to thaw. Bare-root strawberry plants arrive dormant, without any soil around the roots, and are best planted as soon as the ground is workable—think late winter to early spring. Potted plants, on the other hand, are already growing and can be planted a little later, after the last frost has passed. No matter which you choose, strawberries love a sunny spot with well-drained soil. Adding a layer of mulch helps keep the moisture in and the weeds out, making maintenance easier and your berries bigger and sweeter.
Choosing the right type of strawberry plant is all about what kind of harvest you’re hoping for. June-bearing varieties are a favorite for folks who want one big, bountiful harvest in early summer—perfect for making jam, freezing, or sharing with neighbors. If you’d rather have smaller harvests throughout the season, everbearing types will give you berries in both early summer and again in late summer. Day-neutral strawberries are the workhorses of the patch, producing fruit steadily from late spring right up until fall, so you can enjoy a handful of fresh berries every time you walk by. Planting strawberry plants is also a thoughtful gift for anyone who loves gardening, fresh fruit, or just spending time outdoors. Kids especially get a kick out of picking their own berries, and it’s a great way to teach them where their food comes from. For best results, set the crowns right at soil level and give them about 1 to 1.5 inches of water each week, being careful not to soak the leaves. In the first year, it’s smart to pinch off the blossoms on June-bearers so the plants can put their energy into growing strong roots. For everbearers and day-neutrals, removing the first flush of blossoms helps set the stage for a better harvest all season long. Fertilizing with a continuous-release formula will keep your plants healthy and productive, and before you know it, you’ll be filling baskets with homegrown strawberries.
Strawberry plants from Tractor Supply are a reliable choice for anyone looking to add a little sweetness to their garden, whether you’re planting a big patch out back or just tucking a few pots onto the porch. They’re a great pick for homesteaders, families, and even folks living in town who want a taste of country living. With the right care, these hardy plants will reward you year after year. If you’re short on space or want to keep things tidy, consider using a dedicated
Strawberry Planter to keep your plants organized and easy to harvest. There’s nothing quite like the taste of a sun-warmed strawberry, and with just a little effort in the spring, you can enjoy that farm-fresh flavor all summer long. Whether you’re growing for the first time or adding to an established patch, planting strawberry plants in spring is a tradition that brings folks together and delivers a harvest everyone can enjoy.
