When I started my strawberry garden, I enjoyed good harvest seasons. However, I found out that there were ways to make my strawberry grow bigger and decided to implement them.
At first, I didn’t get the desired result. But after I implemented the 7 expert tips you are about to read, my strawberries grew bigger.
If you are eager to enjoy the delicious taste of homegrown fruits such as strawberries, then it is important to know how to make them grow bigger. The bigger the strawberry is, the sweeter it becomes.
How to Make Strawberries Grow Bigger? 7 Expert Tips!
Trust me! Strawberries are one of the easiest plants to grow. However, achieving large, plump berries requires attention. You need to adhere to specific conditions and use certain techniques.
Therefore, follow the tips I will share in this article and you will never have to worry about small strawberries again.
Ready?
Let’s get into it.
1 – Choose the right variety
Don’t be in a haste to plant strawberries. The first tip you should keep in mind is to patiently look for strawberry varieties that are known for producing large berries. They are best suited to give you the large produce you want.
When you find these varieties, pick the one that can survive your climate and soil conditions as this will also impact their growth and fruit size.
2 – Adequate Soil Preparation
I discovered that strawberries thrive in well-draining soil. Furthermore, ensure your soil is fertile and rich in organic matter. Before planting your strawberry, use well-rotted manure or compost to improve your soil texture and boost its nutrient content.
Check for the soil’s PH levels. If it is between 5.5 and 6.5, then it is slightly acidic and GOOD for strawberries. With this, your plant will develop strong root systems and give you larger berries than the norm.Â
3 – Constantly Water the soil
Without regular moisture, the shallow root systems of strawberries will have little or no moisture, which will affect how large they produce fruits. I deeply water my strawberry plants 3 times a week to prevent dry spells.
Additionally, it is okay to use mulch around your plant. It reduces evaporation, prevents weed growth and retains the soil moisture.
4 – Fertilization
There are strawberry-specific fertilizers you can apply. They provide essential nutrients to the soil, which impact the growth of your strawberry plants. Consistently apply fertilizers throughout the growing season – according to the product instructions.
Avoid exposing your plant to excess nitrogen due to over-fertilizing. This can lead to more foliage growth and smaller berries.
5 – Pruning and Thinning Your Strawberry Plants is Essential
To improve air circulation and reduce competition for resources, it is best to remove old, dead leaves and any runners that develop. They can divert energy away from fruit production into foliage production.Â
Thin out excess plants. Ensure that the remaining ones have enough space, light, and nutrients to grow larger berries.
I discovered that pruning also prevents pest infestation.
6 – Pest and Diseases are a NO NO For Your Strawberry Plants
For large fruit production, ensure your strawberry is not exposed to pests and diseases. Monitor your plants regularly for signs of common pests. Once you find aphids, slugs, or spider mites around your plant, take INSTANT action through the use of chemical and organic controls.
Additionally, you can prevent fungal diseases by ensuring good air circulation. Avoid overhead watering as well.
7 – Adequate Sunlight
To grow large strawberries, your plant requires about 6 – 8 hours of direct sunlight per day. It is important to plant your strawberries in a location that receives plenty of sunlight throughout the day.
It promotes photosynthesis, which is important for healthy plant growth and fruit production.
Pro tip: Don’t leave your strawberries too long on the stem. Once it’s harvest season, get them off as soon as possible.
