If you plant strawberries in raised beds, you can look forward to early and high yields. The comprehensive guide shows which factors to look out for.

In a nutshell

  • Raised beds allow early planting
  • Yield is higher
  • Harvesting can take place earlier
  • Strawberries in raised beds are better protected
  • Care needs to be adjusted

What are raised beds?

A raised bed can be framed in stone, wood, metal or plastic. The soil in the jar or frame is at a greater distance from the ground. In addition, different layers are usually filled in to ensure the supply of nutrients and to generate heat. This results in several advantages. These include, among others:

  • Planting or sowing can be done earlier
  • Working in the bed and harvesting are easier and easier on the back
  • Strawberries in raised beds bloom earlier
  • multiple harvest possible
  • Protection against pests such as snails
  • Soil can be replaced more easily

The substrate in raised beds is usually eight degrees warmer than the ground. With a suitable structure, it is therefore possible to plant or sow the strawberries very early in the year. Due to the warmth, young plants can be planted outside as early as February or March. Buds and fruits are also developed earlier. This makes it possible to enjoy strawberries from your own garden very early in the year.

location

For a good yield and healthy, long-lasting plants, the raised bed should be placed in a sheltered, warm and sunny spot.

substrate layers

The filling of the raised bed is built up in layers. It consists of four different layers:

  • Layer 1: The first layer is for drainage. It therefore consists of coarse gravel, potsherds or rubble. It is covered with a few centimeters of topsoil or normal garden soil.
  • Layer 2: Twigs, branches and bits of root should be present in this position. They are mixed with soil and serve as a long-term supply of nutrients. This is the case because the components decompose only slowly.
  • Layer 3: This layer is recognized as a rapidly decomposing compost. Leaves and other green waste are ideal for this. They are mixed with soil in equal parts.
  • Layer 4: Sand, vegetable soil, topsoil, rotted manure and mature compost are mixed together in equal parts.

Tip: The layers should each have the same thickness. So calculate in advance how high the respective substrate has to be filled in or applied.

sowing

One way to grow strawberries in a raised bed is to sow them directly in the bed or to germinate them indoors. This can happen as early as the end of January or February. In the field or in the raised bed, the seeds can be introduced from around March.
However, appropriate protection is then required. This can be achieved with insulating covers.

planting

Purchased or pre-bred young plants can be planted between March and May or July and August. A real yield is no longer to be expected with late planting. However, there is enough time to prepare the plants for the winter and to harden them off. As a result, the yield can be even higher in the following year.

pour

An adequate supply of water is important in any case. It is ideal to use soft water. Therefore, the following options are available:

  • stale tap water
  • aquarium water
  • rainwater
  • pond water

The soil should never dry out but also not have waterlogging. In summer, therefore, it may be necessary to water once a day or even more frequently.

Notice: If you use water from a pond or aquarium, it must not be chemically treated. Also keep in mind that it already contains nutrients and thus also contributes to fertilization.

Fertilize

Fertilizing strawberries in raised beds is not necessary in the first two years. The compost and green waste already contained ensure the supply of nutrients. If aquarium or pond water is also used for watering, additional fertilization can initially be dispensed with. From the third or fourth year, however, many are fertilized.

An organic long-term fertilizer is recommended for fertilizing in spring. The required minerals are gradually released through this and supply the plants for the whole season. In order to continue to provide the plants with sufficient nutrients, additional fertilization should be carried out in autumn. Compost and manure are worked into the top layer of soil. Similar to the long-term fertilizer, the individual components decompose over time and are only then ready for the strawberry plants to be absorbed. For this reason, these agents can easily be used in autumn without disturbing the hibernation of the plants.
When fertilizing, you should also consider a few factors. These include:

Fertilizer can also be administered directly with the irrigation water.
  • incorporate solid fertilizer into the soil
  • Add liquid fertilizer directly to the irrigation water
  • do not use mineral fertilizers
  • pour overflowing after the dose

Notice: These measures are critical to avoid chemical burns at the roots. If the yield decreases despite regular and correct fertilization, the substrate should be replaced.

harvest

There is no general answer to when you can harvest the strawberries in the raised bed. Various criteria are responsible for this. These are:

  • climate or weather
  • care conditions
  • variety of strawberries

Tip: In order to be able to harvest fresh strawberries throughout the season, you should choose different varieties, each with a different harvest time. This not only creates a variety of tastes, but also increases the yield and distributes it more evenly over the season.

waste

Even if certain pests, such as mice and snails, do not pose a threat in the raised bed, signs of damage or diseases can still occur. In addition, leaves can dry up or be snapped off. In these cases, a blend is required. Only parts of the plant that are damaged, dried up, withered or infected with pathogens or parasites need to be removed. In these cases, the cutting should be done promptly, since the sections represent a possible entry point for germs and pests.
The following factors should be taken into account:

  • If possible, carry out on dry days without blazing sun
  • use clean cutting tools
  • use sharp knives or scissors

Notice: In the case of diseases or pests, you should not dispose of the clippings on the compost. It is better to put it in the household waste or to destroy it.

wintering

Just like on a normal, ground-level bed, you can also overwinter the strawberries in the raised bed. It is beneficial if you still provide additional protection. This can consist of garden fleece, straw or individual covers. This protection is advisable, especially for young plants.

frequently asked Questions

What to do if the strawberry plants do not bear fruit?

Young plants simply cannot be ready to develop buds and berries. The cause can also be found in plants that are too old, a lack of nutrients or diseases. In any case, the location and care should be checked and the plants checked.

How can the yield be increased?

In which the supply fails extensively and the fruits are harvested as quickly as possible. The choice of variety also plays a crucial role in the yield.

Why is a brick raised bed the best choice?

A raised bed made of stone offers good protection against pests such as mice and rats. On the other hand, the material heats up comparatively quickly and only gradually releases the stored heat. This keeps the temperature consistent for a long time. This is not only an advantage in winter.

Category:

Garden plants