Strawberries🍓

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Strawberries: How to Feed, Grow and Maintain Sweet, Productive Plants

Strawberries are among the most rewarding fruit crops for home gardeners and commercial growers alike—but only when fed correctly. Whether you’re growing strawberries in containers or garden beds, understanding the right fertiliser type, timing, and application can make the difference between average yields and a thriving harvest.

Understanding Strawberry Growth & Soil Requirements

Strawberries are shallow-rooted, perennial plants that produce best in their second year of growth. There are three main types:

  • June-bearing: One heavy crop in early summer
  • Ever-bearing: Multiple flushes through spring to autumn
  • Day-neutral: Produce consistently in suitable climates

Soil requirements:

  • Well-draining soil: Essential to avoid root and crown rot
  • pH: 5.5–6.5 is ideal for nutrient uptake
  • Organic matter: Strawberry plants benefit from aged compost or manure worked into the soil prior to planting

In containers or planters, use a **free-draining mix** blended with perlite or coco coir. Avoid standard garden soil due to compaction and poor drainage.

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What is the Best Fertiliser for Strawberry Plants?

Strawberries require a fertiliser that supports **both vegetative growth and fruit production**, with a special emphasis on potassium and micronutrients. Ideal fertiliser profile:
  • Moderate nitrogen (N): Supports healthy leaves and runners
  • Low phosphorus (P): Encourages root growth without overstimulating leaf production
  • High potassium (K): Critical for flower and fruit development
  • Micronutrients: Magnesium, iron, calcium, boron and zinc are important for fruit size and flavour
For strawberries grown in Australia’s varied climates, we recommend:

Feeding Schedule by Growth Stage

  • Early Spring (Pre-flowering): Apply balanced 20-20-20 every 10–14 days to support leaf and runner growth
  • Flowering & Fruiting (Mid-late spring through summer): Switch to 4-18-38 to promote bloom, berry size and sweetness
  • Post-Harvest (Autumn): Apply diluted 20-20-20 to replenish root reserves before winter dormancy
In **containers**, feed more frequently due to faster nutrient depletion. Every 7–10 days with diluted liquid feed is ideal. In **garden beds**, apply every 3–4 weeks with thorough watering.
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How to Plant and Maintain Strawberry Plants

Planting Tips

  • Spacing: 30–40 cm between plants in rows, with 60–70 cm between rows
  • Planting depth: Crown (the thick base where leaves meet roots) must be just above soil level—too deep causes rot
  • Mulch: Use straw or sugarcane mulch to prevent fruit rot, conserve moisture, and reduce weeds

Common Fertiliser Mistakes with Strawberries

  • Overfeeding nitrogen: Results in lush foliage but poor fruit yield
  • Neglecting potassium: Leads to small, underdeveloped or watery berries
  • Skipping pre-season feed: Delays flowering and reduces the number of fruiting nodes
  • Applying fertiliser during flowering: Always water in well and apply to soil, never to leaves or blooms directly

Best Strawberry Fertiliser for Home Gardeners and Growers

Each product is:
  • Highly soluble for fast absorption
  • Formulated for pH stability and nutrient availability
  • Free from fillers, ideal for edible crops

Explore Our Full Fertiliser Range

Whether you’re growing strawberries, blueberries, or vegetables, Complete Grow’s shop includes targeted solutions to support your garden throughout every season—from seedling to harvest.

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